Intermediate

Amazon unveils the Trainium2 AI chip, intensifying competition with Microsoft in the cloud computing arena

Screenshot 2023-12-13 143913

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the term “artificial intelligence” means? How might artificial intelligence impact our daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The student’s progress in math was remarkable, showing a significant improvement in just a few weeks. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – an answer or reaction The teacher’s response to the student’s question was informative and helped clarify the concept. forthcoming /FAWRTH-KUHM-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The forthcoming weekend promises exciting adventures and new experiences for the…
Read more

Thai kids go digital with ‘Krathongs’ for Eco-friendly Loy Krathong Festival

digital krathongs

©AFP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What cultural celebrations or festivals do you know of that involve water or rivers? What significance might water have in those traditions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – existing or happening now, and therefore seeming modern The art gallery featured a contemporary exhibition showcasing modern and unconventional artistic expressions. creation /kree-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of creating something, or the thing that is created The chef’s latest creation, a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, became an instant hit among food enthusiasts. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl / [adjective]…
Read more

Japan finds dangerous bird flu at farm, plans to cull 40,000 birds

birdflu

©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or concerns about the concept of a dangerous bird flu outbreak? How do you think the dangerous bird flu might affect both animals and humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affected /uh-FEK-tid/ [adjective] – influenced or touched by an external factor The affected community struggled to recover after the devastating tornado. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice or work of farming Sustainable agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and environmental conservation. cabinet /KAB-uh-nit/ [noun] – a small group of the most important people…
Read more

GM’s Cruise initiates limited restart of driverless robotaxis

Cruise

©REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What companies or initiatives do you know of that are involved in working on self-driving technology? Would you consider buying a self-driving car? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. manual /MAN-yoo-uhl/ [adjective] – operated or controlled directly by a human, typically involving physical effort The company required manual labor for assembling the products. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way The company plans to expand its operations into new markets next year. measure…
Read more

World-class airport implements passport-free travel system

airport-3810408_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about airports? What challenges do you think passengers always face in airports? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The company decided to implement new project management software to streamline workflows. highlight /HAHY-lahyt / [verb] – to attract attention to or emphasize something important The report’s executive summary provides a concise way to highlight the key findings and recommendations. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the increase of something in size, number, or importance The company’s…
Read more

Scientists recover RNA from extinct Tasmanian tiger, unlocking genetic secrets

new discovery

©Emilio Mármol Sánchez Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a Tasmanian tiger might look like? Where do you think it lived? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed The agreement preserved our right to limit trade in endangered species. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – giving a lot of information with many details He kept a detailed account of the suspect’s movements. genetic /juh-NET-ik / [noun] – the genetic makeup, traits, and inheritance…
Read more

Study reveals decline in sense of purpose after dementia diagnosis

women-friends-1577910_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term ‘sense of purpose in life’ mean to you personally? What is your current understanding of dementia and its impact on cognitive function and daily living? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a decrease or reduction The decline in her energy levels was noticeable after she started working longer hours. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The professor’s extensive knowledge in the field of astrophysics led to groundbreaking discoveries about the nature of the universe. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective]…
Read more

Duracell launches cutting-edge eco-friendly power solution

AdobeStock_625183961

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some innovative energy solutions that you’re familiar with? Can you think of ways in which renewable energy sources could be integrated into everyday products for convenience and sustainability? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to introduce or start something, such as a new product or initiative Duracell recently launched a new Portable Power Station, providing a convenient energy solution. environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-urn-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/ [adjective] – not harmful to the environment; designed to have minimal impact on nature The environmentally friendly features of the Duracell Portable…
Read more

SpaceX’s Starship test ends in failure after reaching space

SpaceX

©REUTERS/Go Nakamura Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What companies or organizations do you know of that are working on making spacecraft for space exploration missions? Why is it important to keep trying and making things better when inventing new technology? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – planned journeys or endeavors The space agency announced a new mission to explore the outer planets of our solar system using advanced spacecraft. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – an occasion when a ship is put into water, or a spacecraft is sent into space, for the first…
Read more

Asian wealth managers head to Dubai for client diversification

downtown-4045037_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about Dubai? If you were to live in Dubai, what challenges do you think you might experience, considering its unique cultural and economic landscape? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. client /KLAHY-uhnt/ [noun] – a customer or someone who receives services The business prioritizes delivering exceptional products and services to every client, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to During the presentation, the speaker tried to emphasize the significance of sustainable…
Read more