Intermediate

US job openings hit lowest level since early 2021

2024年9月11日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “layoff” mean? What industries or jobs do you think are most at risk of layoffs? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed or activity The company noticed a slowdown in sales last month. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – the termination of employment by an employer, often due to economic reasons The factory had a layoff due to decreased production. mixed signal /mikst SIG-nl/ [idiom] – information or actions that suggest different things or are unclear The report gave a mixed…
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Intermediate

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UK visa numbers for health workers and student families drop due to new restrictions

2024年9月10日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you had the opportunity to work or study abroad, where would you go and why? Why do you think some countries attract a lot of international students and health workers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. grant /grant/ [verb] – to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way The principal granted the student’s request for an extension on the assignment. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – sudden and striking; causing a lot of attention or impact The dramatic change in weather caught everyone by surprise and led to widespread…
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Intermediate

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NASA delays astronaut return to Earth due to spacecraft issues

2024年9月9日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do astronauts or mission control teams respond when a spacecraft experiences a serious technical problem? Why can technical issues in spacecraft be particularly challenging to resolve compared to problems on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prioritize /prahy-AWR-i-tahyz/ [verb] – to treat something as more important than other things We need to prioritize homework before going out to play. unmanned /uhn-MAND/ [adjective] – not operated by a person; remote-controlled or automated The robot is an unmanned vehicle that can explore dangerous areas. steadfast /STED-fast/ [adjective] – firm and unwavering…
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Intermediate

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Clooney and Pitt reunite at Venice Film Festival

2024年9月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the purpose of international film festivals? Have you ever watched a film featured in an international film festival? If so, how did the film’s participation in the festival affect your opinion of it? If not, which movie do you think should be included in an international film festival, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prestigious /pre-STIJ-uhs/ [adjective] – admired and respected because of great success or importance The prestigious award was given to the top student of the year. reunion /ree-YOON-yuhn/ [noun] – an occasion when people…
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Intermediate

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Silent sports capture attention at the Paris Paralympics

2024年9月7日

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©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics? Can you explain the purposes of the major international sports events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cue /kyoo/ [noun] – signals or prompts used to guide actions or behaviors The teacher gave visual cues to help students understand the new concept. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to focus mental effort on a specific task or activity The scientist’s concentration was crucial while conducting the complex experiment. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – people who watch an event or…
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Intermediate

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Climate change impacts cabbage quality in South Korea, affecting kimchi production

2024年9月6日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of ingredients are commonly used in traditional dishes from your country? Can you think of any foods that might be affected by climate change in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a situation or condition that poses a potential danger or harm The security guard identified a threat in the building’s surveillance footage. mountainous /MOUN-tn-uhs/ [adjective] – having many mountains or being characterized by mountains They planned a hiking trip in the mountainous region of the national park. endanger /en-DEYN-jeyr/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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Fans line up early for Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobblehead at Dodger Stadium

2024年9月5日

Ohtani

©Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities or skills make a sports player stand out in their field? Which sports events or teams in your country attract the most attention? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eager /EE-ger/ [adjective] – strongly wanting to do or have something The students were eager to start their summer vacation. fame /feym/ [noun] – the state of being known or recognized by many people because of your achievements, skills, etc. Her fame grew rapidly after she won the international singing competition. stretch /strech/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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Study says women should check heart disease risks in their 30s

2024年9月4日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some factors that contribute to heart disease in women? Do you think it is important to start health screenings earlier in life? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. manufacturer /man-yuh-FAK-cher-er/ [noun] – a company that produces goods in large numbers Many car manufacturers are shifting their focus to electric vehicles. suffer /SUHF-er/ [verb] – to experience pain, distress, or hardship He had to suffer through a long and difficult recovery after the surgery. biomarker /BAHY-oh-mahr-ker/ [noun] – biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids,…
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Intermediate

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NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover to climb steep crater

2024年9月3日

mars rover

©NASA via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know what space rovers are? If so, how important do you think they are for space exploration? If not, are you interested in outer space? Why or why not? Have you ever climbed a big mountain or a tall wall before? If so, how difficult was it? If not, would you ever try it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sample /SAM-puhl/ [noun] – a small part or amount of something that is tested or examined The scientist collected samples of the soil for testing. slope…
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Intermediate

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Japan faces severe rice shortage amid extreme weather and rising demand

2024年9月2日

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©REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors can lead to a shortage of essential goods in a country? Why is it important for researchers to develop new varieties of crops or products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to withstand or tolerate something difficult or unpleasant over a period of time She had to endure a long wait at the airport due to the flight delay. sharply /SHAR-plee/ [adverb] – in a sudden, severe, or intense manner. The temperature dropped sharply overnight, causing frost to form on the windows. stock…
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Intermediate

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