Intermediate

©Jaume Pellicer/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a genome is and why might it be important for an organism? What do you understand about the relationship between an organism’s genetic material and its physical environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – very surprising or amazing The sudden transformation of the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly is truly astonishing. cell /sel/ [noun] – the smallest basic unit of a plant or animal Scientists study the cells of various plants to better understand their functions and genetic makeup….
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about orangutans and where they live? Can you think of any benefits to humans from studying orangutans? If not, why might scientists be interested in their behavior? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. squeeze /skweez/ [verb] – to press something firmly, especially from all sides in order to change its shape, reduce its size, or remove liquid from it She squeezed the orange to get fresh juice for breakfast. behavior /bih-HEYV-yer/ [noun] – the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others The dog’s…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the habitat and behavior of cockroaches? In what ways do you think cockroaches might impact human health and well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exploit /EK-sploit/ [verb] – to take advantage of or make use of something for one’s benefit The company exploited new technologies to gain a competitive edge in the market. urban /UR-buhn/ [adjective] – of or in a city or town The urban landscape is characterized by tall buildings, busy streets, and vibrant cultural life. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the challenges you think agriculture faces today? What do you understand by the term “gene editing”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wheat /weet/ [noun] – a plant whose yellowish-brown grain is used for making flour, or the grain itself Wheat is a staple food in many countries, often ground into flour for bread. unlike /uhn-LAHYK/ [preposition] – different from; not similar to Unlike her siblings, Sarah prefers quiet evenings at home over crowded parties. variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – different forms or versions of something The garden…
Read more

©REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of vehicles do you think are most popular in different regions of the world, and why do you think that is? How do you think environmental concerns are shaping the development of new technologies in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim The company’s strategy involves expanding into new markets to increase its global presence. satisfy /SAT-is-fahy/ [verb] – to meet the needs, expectations, or desires of someone or…
Read more