Intermediate

Historic tall ship showcases Italian culture globally

2024年7月6日

tall ship

©REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced Italian culture firsthand, perhaps through travel or local events? What aspect of Italian culture left a lasting impression on you? In your view, how do historical symbols and landmarks contribute to a nation’s identity and global reputation? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. voyage /VOI-ij/ [noun] – a long journey, especially by ship The ancient mariner’s voyage across the vast ocean lasted over two years. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – existing or happening now, and therefore seeming modern The architect’s design is a blend…
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Intermediate

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Ancient pig-like mammal reveals brain evolution beginnings

2024年7月5日

piglike

©Scott Reid/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of examples where early forms of life have significantly evolved over time? What factors might have contributed to those changes you mentioned? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. misty /MIS-tee/ [adjective] – if the weather is misty, there is mist in the air that makes it difficult to see into the distance The morning was misty, with fog lingering over the hills and obscuring the view of the valley below. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something One…
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Intermediate

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AI revolutionizes healthcare for Japan’s beloved cats

2024年7月4日

simba-8618301_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of pets are common in your country? What do you consider the most challenging aspect of owning a pet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to proudly possess or to emphasize something desirable or impressive about oneself or something else The company boasts a revolutionary new technology that has changed the industry. database /DEY-tuh-beys/ [noun] – a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways The company maintains a comprehensive database of customer preferences to tailor their…
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Intermediate

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Senior breakdancing takes center stage in Japan ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

2024年7月3日

Breakdancing

©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the chance to influence the Olympics, what new sport or activity would you propose and why? What factors might influence a person to explore a completely new physical discipline later in life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seize /seez/ [verb] – to take something quickly and keep or hold it After years of contemplation, she decided to seize the chance to travel around the world. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – restricted or limited to a select group of people The boutique offers exclusive designer clothing that is…
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Intermediate

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Endangered no more: Iberian lynx reclassified as vulnerable after remarkable recovery efforts

2024年7月2日

lynx-5581792_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Iberian lynx and its habitat? How important do you think the survival of endangered species like the Iberian lynx is? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. native /NAY-tiv/ [adjective] – used to refer to plants and animals that grow naturally in a place, and have not been brought there from somewhere else The kangaroo is native to Australia. endangered /en-DAN-jerd/ [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive The panda is an endangered animal that needs…
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Intermediate

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New fossil discovery sheds light on pre-dinosaur predators in Brazil

2024年7月1日

fossil

©Rodrigo Temp Muller/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think scientists want to explore and study ancient life forms from millions of years ago? Would you like to become a paleontologist? If so, what aspects of studying prehistoric life interest you? If not, what other fields of science or exploration do you find more appealing, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crocodile /KROK-uh-dahyl/ [noun] – a large reptile with a hard skin that lives in and near rivers and lakes in hot, wet parts of the world The Nile…
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Intermediate

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Los Angeles schools vote to ban smartphones for learning and health

2024年6月30日

girl-5425872_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role should technology play in classrooms to enhance learning outcomes? What are some ways schools can help students stay focused during classes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. package /PAK-ij/ [noun] – containers or wrappings in which items are enclosed Please ensure the package is securely sealed before shipping it out. pouch /pouch/ [noun] – a bag or soft container for a small object or a small amount of something She kept her spare change in a small leather pouch. nationwide /NEY-shuhn-WAHYD/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts…
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Intermediate

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World Bank revises global economic growth forecast to 2.6%

2024年6月29日

economic-1050731_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “global economic growth forecast” refer to? How might such forecasts impact different countries? Can you name any factors that could affect global economic growth positively or negatively? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. improvement /im-PROOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act or process of making something better Despite the improvement in technology, there are still many challenges to overcome. barrier /BARE-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents movement or access; an obstacle Language barriers can make it difficult for people from different countries to communicate effectively. conflict /KON-flikt/ [noun] – a serious…
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Intermediate

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Tropical storm Alberto makes landfall, triggering floods and evacuations in Texas and Northern Mexico

2024年6月28日

ai-generated-8244286_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a storm? If so, what kind of storm was it and how did it affect you? If not, what do you think it would be like to experience one? What do you know about how storms form? Can you describe the conditions that might lead to the formation of a storm? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flash flood /FLASH fluhd/ [noun] – a sudden and severe flood, typically caused by heavy rain After the heavy rain, a flash flood swept through the village, damaging homes and…
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Intermediate

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Extreme heat endangers health and safety

2024年6月27日

heatwave

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What changes have you noticed in the weather patterns over the past few years? How do those changes you mentioned affect your daily life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dizziness /DI-zee-nuhs/ [noun] – a temporary feeling that your sense of balance is not good and that you may fall down She felt a sudden wave of dizziness and had to sit down to steady herself. thirst /thurst/ [noun] – a need for something to drink After spending hours in the scorching sun, she experienced a strong thirst and eagerly reached…
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Intermediate

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