Intermediate

Vatican artisans revive masterpieces

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©REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most renowned museum in your country? What makes it particularly significant or unique in preserving cultural heritage or showcasing historical artifacts? Why do you think it’s important to preserve ancient or historical pieces in museums or galleries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ton /tuhn/ [noun] – a large amount or a considerable quantity of something The shipment contained a ton of books for the bookstore’s inventory. cause /kawz/ [verb] – to make something happen, especially something bad The heavy rain caused flooding in the streets…
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Californians swap beaches for ice baths in quest for love

Icebath

©REUTERS/Mike Blake Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What ways do people nowadays come together or connect to initiate relationships or build connections? How important do you believe the initial meeting or encounter is when forming a new connection or relationship? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. waterproof /WAW-ter-proof/ [adjective] – not allowing water to go through The jacket is waterproof, so you won’t get wet in the rain. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme temperature made it difficult to go outside during the heatwave. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [noun] – the quality…
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India faces impending sugar shortage amidst weak rainfall

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What particular crops or agricultural products are your region or country known for producing? What are some common challenges or problems that farmers encounter during the cultivation of crops in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The company recorded substantial growth in its revenue last quarter. import /im-PAWRT/ [verb] – to buy or bring in products from another country The company decided to import raw materials from overseas to reduce production costs. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important…
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EU’s Deforestation Law disrupts coffee industry

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is the production and supply of coffee to your country’s economy or agricultural sector? What particular regions or areas are known for cultivating or growing coffee in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change The decision to alter the schedule affected everyone’s plans for the day. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The research study linked excessive sugar consumption to…
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Iceland on high alert as volcano erupts near Grindavik

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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 “volcanic eruption”? How do you think volcanic eruptions can impact the surrounding areas and communities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lagoon /luh-GOON/ [noun] – a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by sandbars or coral reefs The tourists enjoyed swimming in the clear, warm waters of the lagoon. movement /MOOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act, process, or result of moving or being moved The slow movement of the glacier fascinated the onlookers. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to…
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Rare snow blankets southern China amidst freezing northern temperatures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you imagine a place that rarely sees snow suddenly being covered in a blanket of snow? How do you think the daily routines and activities of people in a region unaccustomed to snow might be impacted by the occurrence of rare snowfall? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. failure /FEYL-yer / [noun] – the fact of someone or something not succeeding The student felt a deep sense of failure when she couldn’t solve the math problem. expectation /ek-spek-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling that…
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Brazilian drought impacts fertilizer sales and global agriculture

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge do you have about the term ‘El Niño’? What plants or crops are your country known for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting them, or the crops that are cut and collected During autumn, farmers begin the harvest of ripe fruits and vegetables from their fields. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone…
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Italian food historian sparks carbonara recipe debate

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are carbonara or similar pasta dishes typically prepared in your country or culture? What cuisines from other countries do you believe are popular among people in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important The oxygen was vital for the diver’s survival underwater. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to come forth, appear, or become known After the heavy storm, a new problem emerged when the city discovered extensive flooding in several neighborhoods. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] –…
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Thai rice fields blossom into whimsical cat art, attracting tourists and transforming agriculture

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©REUTERS/Napat Wesshasartar Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images or ideas come to mind when you hear the words “farming” or “agriculture”? How do you think farming relates to the arts? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – varied or different The restaurant offered a diverse menu, featuring dishes from various cuisines around the world. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice or work of farming Sustainable agriculture aims to balance food production with environmental stewardship. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [noun] – power to attract, please, or stimulate the mind of someone The novel’s universal themes…
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Cyclone Jasper brings floods and crocodile sightings to Australia’s northeast

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©Brent Paterson/via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might happen to a community or area if it experiences a flood? How do you think residents in a flood-prone region prepare for and cope with the challenges of floods? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order The surprise party threw the room into chaos as guests shouted and balloons flew in every direction. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not…
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