Intermediate

The fascinating story of Klimt’s “Lady with a Fan” painting

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©Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever tried painting before? If yes, what kind of painting did you do? If not, what do you think it would be like to paint? Can you name any famous painters from history? What do you know about their work or their style? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time During our science class, we will discover fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system. fancy /FAN-see/ [adjective] – decorative or…
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Virgin Galactic, Italian Air Force partner for commercial space mission

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©https://www.virgingalactic.com/ Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are commercial space missions? If you had the opportunity, would you go on one? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to work with someone else for a special purpose The research project required scientists from various fields to collaborate and share their expertise. upcoming /UHP-kuhm-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The organization is holding a meeting to discuss the upcoming projects and set goals for the upcoming year. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve…
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Facebook Messenger’s new parental controls enhance child safety

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think parents should have access to their children’s Messenger? Why or why not? Would you feel safe if your parents had access to your social media? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. interaction /in-ter-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – an occasion when two or more people or things communicate with or react to each other In an online gaming community, players have the opportunity to engage in virtual interactions with individuals from all around the world. privacy /PRAHY-vuh-see/ [noun] – someone’s right to keep their personal matters and…
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Why are orcas suddenly ramming boats?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the general behavior of orcas in the wild, and how does this recent behavior differ? Do you think orcas are naturally aggressive? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /puhz-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something Solving the math problems on the test puzzled Sarah, but she kept trying her best to find the correct answers. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] – to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The detective…
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Heatwaves in parts of Asia push human life to the edge of survival

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are heatwaves? How can heatwaves endanger human life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intense /in-TENS/ [adjective] – extreme and forceful or (of a feeling) very strong The intense focus and concentration of the students during the exam showed their determination to achieve high grades. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden and great increase The surge of support from the community allowed the non-profit organization to expand its services and reach more people in need. alongside /uh-LAWNG-SAHYD/ [preposition] – next to, or together with The new housing development was built…
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New Zealand plans to eliminate rats for wildlife conservation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In what ways, if any, do you think rats can be beneficial to humans? Do you believe that rats should be eliminated from certain environments? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – When people or animals gather, they come together in a group During the school field trip, we gathered at the entrance of the museum before exploring together as a group. determination /dih-tur-muh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult Despite facing numerous challenges, she…
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Finland’s innovative solution for nuclear waste

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©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the major challenges associated with nuclear waste disposal? What are the potential environmental and health risks associated with improper nuclear waste management? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRE S-iv / [adjective] – If an object or achievement is impressive, you admire or respect it, usually because it is special, important, or very large The students were amazed by the impressive science experiment conducted by their classmates, as it showcased a remarkable display of colorful chemical reactions. disposal /dih-SPOH-zuhl/ [noun] – the act of getting rid…
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Race against extinction: Indochina leopards need immediate protection

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a leopard? Why are leopards important to the ecosystem? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extinction /ik-STINGK-shuhn / [noun] – a situation in which something no longer exists The relentless hunting of elephants has put them on the brink of extinction. comprehensive /kom-pri-HEN-siv/ [adjective] – complete and including everything that is necessary The comprehensive guidebook provided detailed instructions and step-by-step procedures to help users navigate through the complex software. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem The nonprofit organization launched…
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Chick-fil-A pilots novel drive-thru concept with urban planning principles

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©Chick-fil-A Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you purchase food from drive-thrus? How long should a drive-thru transaction last? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. principle /PRIN-suh-puhl/ [noun] – a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works The principle of supply and demand dictates that prices tend to increase when demand exceeds supply and decrease when supply exceeds demand. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Applying a moisturizer can enhance the appearance and texture of the skin, making it look smoother…
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Elton John’s unforgettable farewell at Glastonbury

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©BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most memorable concert or live performance you have attended? Who do you consider an iconic figure in the music industry? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. icon /AHY-kon/ [noun] – a very famous person or thing considered as representing a set of beliefs or a way of life Michael Jackson is regarded as a cultural icon for his groundbreaking music. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The students’ performance in the school play was remarkable. cheer /cheer/ [verb] – to…
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