Intermediate

Mekong giant catfish shows signs of recovery after conservation efforts in Cambodia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any endangered animals in rivers or lakes? Why are some species living in freshwater becoming endangered? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of clean water in the village was a significant event. decline /dih-KLAYN/ [verb] – to become smaller, fewer, or less The number of visitors to the park declined after the rainy season began. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something from continuing as usual or as expected A power outage disrupted the online class for an hour….
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New species discovered in Peru’s Amazon highlight urgent need for conservation

Frog

©Conservation International/photo by Trond Larsen/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine it would be like to discover a new species of animal? If you could explore any place in the world, where would you go and what would you hope to find? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people or things The library offers a diverse collection of books, including fiction, science, and history. trap /trap/ [noun] – a device or setup used to catch or capture something Hunters set traps in…
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Parent-led initiative tackles student transportation challenges in Chicago

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What problems do students face when going to school? What are the reasons some families struggle to find transportation for their children? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something There is a shortage of teachers in some schools. distant /DIS-tuhnt / [adjective] – far away in space or time The distant mountain looks beautiful in the morning. qualify /KWOL-uh-fahy/ [verb] – to meet the necessary conditions or standards To qualify for the contest, you need to be 18…
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NEWBrew introduces recycled beer as a solution to global water challenges

Newbeer

©(AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do people in your country save water? If you could invent something to help with water shortages, what would it be? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. showcase /SHOH-keys/ [verb] – to display or present something for others to see The company showcased its new product at the trade show. batch /bach/ [noun] – a group or collection of things or people considered together The bakery prepares fresh batches of bread every morning. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make certain that something will happen or be the…
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Kite making in Gujarat benefits the economy but causes problems

Kite

©REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does sustainability mean to you? What is your favorite festival, and what do you do during this festival? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has been passed down through generations Lighting candles during the holidays is a cherished tradition. string /string/ [noun] – (a piece of) strong, thin rope made by twisting very thin threads together, used for fastening and tying things She tied the package with a piece of string. boost /boost/ [verb]…
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Two critically endangered North Atlantic right whales entangled in fishing gear off Massachusetts coast

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens to animals that are endangered? What might happen if an endangered species disappears? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – at risk of becoming extinct Some animals are endangered because their habitats are disappearing. collision /kuh-LIZH-uhn/ [noun] – an event where two things crash into each other There was a collision between two cars on the highway. reproduction /ree-pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process by which animals or plants produce offspring The reproduction of many animals happens in the spring. challenge /CHAL-inj/ [noun] – a difficult task…
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Germany and France launch high-speed train service to strengthen EU ties and promote eco-friendly travel

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about high-speed trains? What are the advantages of using trains compared to cars or airplanes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/ [adjective] – causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time The company uses sustainable materials to make their products. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or action to improve something or solve a problem The school started an initiative to plant trees in the playground. modernize /MOD-er-nahyz/ [verb] – to make something more modern…
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Rio de Janeiro barber battle celebrates craftsmanship and creativity

©REUTERS/Aline Massuca Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What makes a competition fun to watch? What haircut is popular right now in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. neighborhood /NEY-ber-hood/ [noun] – a district or area within a city or town She moved to a quiet neighborhood near the park. outdated /out-DEY-tid/ [adjective] – old-fashioned and therefore not as good or as fashionable as something modern The technology used in the office is outdated and needs upgrading. standout /STAND-out / [adjective] – a person or thing that is exceptionally good or prominent She was the…
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Neanderthal genes shape modern humans

©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What aspects of early human life interest you? How did early humans affect the environment, and how does this still impact us today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. biological /bahy-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to biology or living organisms The biological processes in plants are essential for photosynthesis. anthropological /an-thruh-puh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to anthropology, the study of humans, human behavior, and societies The anthropological research revealed insights into ancient civilizations. metabolism /muh-TAB-uh-liz-uhm/ [noun] – the chemical processes within a living organism that maintain life Changes in metabolism…
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Junjun the playful bear cub captivates Shanghai zoo visitors

Junjun

©REUTERS/Casey Hall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a baby cub in person? What kind of cub was it, and how was it different from an older one? If you could design your own zoo, what animals would you include, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. charm /chahrm/ [noun] – the quality of being pleasing or attractive Her smile has a unique charm that makes everyone feel at ease. captivate /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to attract and hold the attention or interest of someone The magician’s performance captivated the entire audience. delight…
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