Intermediate

Scientists unlock lunar soil’s agricultural potential, paving the way for sustainable moon farming

plant in moon soil

©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or assumptions about the soil on the moon? Do you think the soil on the moon is similar to the soil on Earth, or could there be significant differences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem The scientist’s recent breakthrough in renewable energy could revolutionize how we power our homes. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Proper nutrition is crucial for…
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Indonesia speeds decarbonization with $20 billion green energy push

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you understand about the concept of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in a country’s power sector? What countries can you identify that have made recent notable announcements regarding substantial investments in environmental initiatives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. carbon dioxide /KAHR-buhn dahy-OK-sahyd/ [noun] – the gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have been steadily increasing due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. release /ri-LEES/ [noun] – the act of making something public or available…
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Study finds 1 in 4 people eating healthy meals also snack unhealthily

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you define a ‘snack’? What are some considerations you take into account when choosing snacks for yourself or for others, such as nutritional content or taste preferences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concerning /kuhn-SUR-ning/ [adjective] – making you feel slightly worried The concerning news about the potential side effects of the medication led to a thorough review by medical experts. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – possibly The company’s innovative approach to product development could potentially lead to a major breakthrough in the industry. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show…
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Elfyn Evans clinches a sensational victory, leading Toyota’s podium sweep in the World Rally Championship finale

toyota

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a World Rally Championship involves? What might be the key elements or challenges that participants face in this type of competition? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt / [verb] – to show or make something clear The chemistry teacher asked the students to demonstrate their understanding of the experiment by conducting it themselves. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have, to keep in existence, or not allow to become less The janitor maintained the cleanliness of the school, ensuring a hygienic environment for…
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Prenatal Mediterranean diet boosts 2-year-olds’ abilities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear about the Mediterranean diet? What do you know about the developmental milestones and skills that infants typically acquire during their first year of life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test, usually over a limited period of time, to discover how effective or suitable something or someone is The pharmaceutical company conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the new drug in treating the disease. lack /lak/ [verb] – to not have or not have enough of…
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Japan announces 10% of its people are 80 or older on Respect for the Elderly Day

japan old people

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Japan? What do you think the role of older people is in Japanese society? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city John was born in this country, so he is a proud citizen with all the rights and responsibilities. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to…
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Scientists rediscover elusive echidna species in remote Indonesian mountains

Echidna, also known as spiny ant eaters.
They are egg laying mammals.

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Before learning about echidnas, what do you think are the typical characteristics of mammals? If you were to guess, why might some animals be challenging to locate in the wild? Can you think of any specific features or behaviors that could make them elusive? 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 artist’s painting was remarkable, capturing the beauty of the sunset in vivid colors. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing…
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Justin Boots launches timeless roper boot collection

roper boots

©Justin Women’s Red Mckean 7″ Lace-Up Roper Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever worn or seen someone wear roper boots? If so, what do you know about their design and purpose? Can you name any famous brands or iconic individuals associated with roper boots? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. genuine /JEN-yoo-in/ [adjective] – truly what something is said to be; authentic The antique shop sold genuine vintage items, including a 100-year-old pocket watch. classic /KLAS-ic/ [adjective] – having a high quality or standard against which other things are judged Sarah wore a classic…
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Shizuoka distillery fuels Japan’s whisky boom

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the ingredients used in making different types of whiskies or spirits? How do you think whisky or spirits are perceived by different age groups or cultural backgrounds? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way The company aims to expand its market reach by targeting international customers. compromise /KOM-pruh-mahyz / [noun] – an agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce their demands or change their opinion…
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Honda contemplates $14 billion EV production plan in Canada, Nikkei reports

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think the shift towards electric vehicles might impact the global automotive market in the coming years? Can you name any automakers that have recently made significant strides in electric vehicle technology or manufacturing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confirm /kuhn-FURM/ [verb] – to officially state or declare the truth or validity of something The company will confirm the appointment by sending a confirmation email to all participants. investment /in-VEST-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get…
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