Intermediate

Maldives lavish destination leads the way in ‘green tourism’

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Maldives?  What do you think are some of the negative impacts of resorts on the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem The organization launched an initiative to provide clean drinking water to underprivileged communities. preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of keeping something the same or of preventing it from being damaged The national park has strict regulations in place to ensure the preservation of its unique ecosystems….
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The mystery behind taurine in energy drinks

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are energy drinks, and what are their main purposes or intended effects? How do energy drinks affect physical performance and cognitive function, and are these effects sustained or temporary? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result I watched the baking show on TV, and I learned the step-by-step process of making a delicious chocolate cake. balanced /BAL-uhnst / [adjective] – containing an equal amount or number of similar things or people Sarah enjoyed playing…
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India expands travel horizons

Indian Flag

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the country India? Do you consider traveling to India? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beyond /bee-OND/ [preposition] – to be more than or not limited to something His dedication to his work goes beyond what is expected, as he always goes the extra mile to deliver exceptional results. invest /in-VEST/ [verb] – to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage I decided to invest my savings in the stock market to…
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Study reveals obesity’s impact on brain function and well-being is irreversible

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is obesity? How does obesity affect a person? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insight /IN-sahyt/ [noun] – a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation The research findings provided new insights into the causes and effects of the phenomenon. excess /EK-ses/ [adjective] – more than is needed, expected, or acceptable The company had to dispose of excess inventory due to low demand in the market. exhibit /ig-ZIB-it / [verb] – to show something, esp. a quality, by your behavior The athletes exhibited exceptional skill…
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Secret mountains within Earth

hidden mountain

©Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever wondered what might be hidden beneath the Earth’s surface? What could be some interesting things that could exist there? Do you think it’s possible for a mountain to exist within the Earth, away from our view? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. existence /ig-ZIS-tuhns/ [noun] – the fact of something or someone existing The beauty of nature reminds us of the vastness and wonder of existence. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very severe or bad The heatwave brought about extreme temperatures, reaching well over…
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US suffers shortages of cancer drugs

Cancer

©medhealthreview Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is cancer, and how would you define it in your own words? Do you believe that cancer is primarily hereditary or primarily caused by external factors? What is your reasoning behind your belief? 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 available seats on the bus, so we might have to wait for the next one. drug /druhg / [noun] – any natural or artificially made chemical that is used as…
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Vietnam develops promising vaccine against swine flu

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is swine flu? What other animal diseases do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. disruption /dis-RUHP-shuhn/ [noun] – the action of preventing something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The protest march resulted in road closures and traffic disruptions in the city. widespread /WAHYD-SPRED/ [adjective] – existing or happening in many places and/or among many people The release of the new product resulted in widespread adoption and popularity among consumers. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that…
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Unparalleled comic book masterpieces

Sony Pictures

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like watching comic book adaptations? Which comic book storylines are you familiar with? Could you tell me about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stand out /stand out/ [verb] – to be much better than other similar things or people Among all the colorful flowers in the garden, the red rose stands out with its vibrant petals. complex /kuhm-PLEKS/ [adjective] – difficult to understand or find an answer to because of having many different parts Solving a Rubik’s cube can be challenging because it has many different colors…
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Wheelchair users are excited about innovative airplane seat designs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever traveled by airplane before? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what are your expectations or curiosities about flying on a plane? What do you think is the most significant innovation in the field of air travel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The latest smartphone model has a new feature that allows users to take high-quality photos in low-light environments. adapt / uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to…
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Britain’s net migration level pressures government

Britain

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live in a different country? If so, which country do you envision yourself living in, and what are the reasons behind your choice? Do you believe that living in another country is easy? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – a change in amount or level The variation in weather patterns throughout the year makes the region unpredictable and challenging to plan outdoor activities. resource /REE-sawrs/ [noun] – a useful or valuable possession or…
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