Intermediate

Banksy unveils final mural at London Zoo, ending animal-themed art series

2024年8月19日

Banksy

©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous artists from your country? What do you think makes an artist’s work become widely recognized and discussed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. installment /in-STAWL-muhnt/ [noun] – a single part or piece of a series of related works The latest novel is the final installment in a popular fantasy series. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a wide scope or range The research team conducted an extensive study to understand the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. tension /TEN-shuhn/ [noun]…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Alyssa Milano to debut as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s ‘Chicago’ this Fall

2024年8月18日

theater-432045_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a Broadway show? If yes, which one do you know about? If not, would you like to learn more about them? What makes a live performance special compared to watching TV or movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theater /THEE-uh-ter/ [noun] – a building or place where plays, movies, or performances are shown The local theater is showing a new film this weekend. satire /SAT-ahyuhr/ [noun] – a way of using humor or exaggeration to criticize or mock something The comedian’s routine was a clever…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Bosnian businessman transforms Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ into nature park

2024年8月17日

StarryNight

©REUTERS/Amel Emric Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous parks in your city or country? What makes them unique? What do you know about Vincent van Gogh? Can you name some of his famous works or describe his style of painting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cottage /KOT-ij/ [noun] – a small house, usually in the countryside They spent their summer vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake. pattern /PAT-ern/ [noun] – repeated decorative designs or arrangements The blanket was made with colorful patterns and designs. swirl /swurl/ [noun] – patterns or…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Sakura Motoki secures gold as Japan dominates in Paris

2024年8月16日

Wrestling - Women's Freestyle 62kg Victory Ceremony

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why are the Olympics considered important? What kinds of challenges might athletes face when preparing for the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort She admired his strength when he lifted the heavy box with ease. technique /tek-NEEK/ [noun] – a method or way of doing something skillfully, especially one that requires special knowledge or practice The artist learned several techniques to improve her painting skills. halftime /HAF-tahym/ [noun] – a break…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Japan wins first Olympic breaking competition

2024年8月15日

ami

©AP Photo/Frank Franklin Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Did you watch any of the competitions from the 2024 Paris Olympics? If so, which ones? If not, are there any competitions you would like to watch? Did you know that breakdancing was included for the 2024 Paris Olympics? Do you think it was a good idea to add it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victorious /vik-TAWR-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – having won a victory or having achieved success in a contest or competition After a hard-fought battle, they emerged victorious over their rivals. captivating /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Famous couple dominates Box Office

2024年8月14日

ai-generated-8848753_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What makes a movie successful at the box office? How do movie genres (e.g., superhero, romantic drama) affect a movie’s box office performance? Which genre do you think typically performs best? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consecutive /kuhn-SEK-yuh-tiv/ [adjective] – following one after another in a series without interruption The team won three consecutive games, making them the champions. globally /GLOW-buh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that affects or includes the whole world The singer’s album was popular globally, with fans from many different countries. accomplishment /uh-KOM-plish-muhnt / [noun]…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Spicy ramen returns to Copenhagen after partial ban lifted by Danish authorities

2024年8月13日

Buldak

©REUTERS/Tom Little Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What might cause a government agency to decide to ban a food product? How does social media help promote and shape opinions about food products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contain /kuhn-TEYN/ [verb] – to have something inside or include something as a part The pizza contains a variety of fresh vegetables and cheese. vomiting /VOM-i-ting/ [noun] – the act of emptying the contents of the stomach through the mouth The medication can cause various side effects, including dizziness and vomiting. lift /lift/ [verb] – to remove or…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Sweden defeats Germany and Japan in dramatic table tennis semifinals

2024年8月12日

table tennis

©REUTERS/Piroschka Vandewouw Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the key factors that contribute to a team’s success or failure in a tournament? What sport would you like to be good at, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contender /kuhn-TEN-der/ [noun] – a person or team competing for a position or title The boxer was a strong contender for the championship title. doubles /DUH-buhlz/ [noun] – a type of game in which two pairs of players compete against each other The team won the doubles match with an impressive performance. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] –…
Read more

Intermediate

,

NASA delays astronauts’ return due to Starliner issues

2024年8月11日

international-space-station-63128_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you feel if you ended up staying in a certain place longer than you intended? What challenges might people face if they have to extend their stay unexpectedly? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. backup /BAK-uhp/ [adjective] – serving as an alternative or supplementary option in case the primary one fails or is unavailable We have a backup plan in case our main idea doesn’t work. thruster /THRUHS-ter/ [noun] – a small engine on a spacecraft, used to control or adjust its movement The spaceship used its thrusters to…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Japan wins first Olympic men’s foil team gold

2024年8月10日

foil

©REUTERS/Maye-E Wong Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do countries get their athletes ready for big events like the Olympics? Is fencing a popular sport in your country? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/ [adjective] – involving competition; striving to win or be better than others The new student was very competitive in the spelling bee, always aiming to be the best. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning; at first Initially, I thought the book would be boring, but it turned out to be quite interesting. take…
Read more

Intermediate

,