Intermediate

Innovative project uses robot rabbits against invasive pythons in Everglades

Python

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “robot”? What kind of animals do you think are important to protect in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deploy /dih-PLOI/ [verb] – to send people, equipment, or resources into action or position for a purpose Hundreds of rescue drones were deployed after the typhoon to search for missing villagers. practical /PRAK-ti-kuhl/ [adjective] – useful and effective in real situations Solar panels were chosen as a practical solution to reduce energy costs in the school. realistic /ree-uh-LIS-tik/ [adjective] –…
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Florida’s freshwater springs face growing threats from pollution and overuse

fresh water

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you think of clear, blue water in nature? How would you feel if your favorite place in nature became polluted? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gallon /GAL-uhn/ [noun] – a unit of liquid measurement equal to about 3.8 liters in the U.S. The factory uses thousands of gallons of water every week for production. runoff /RUHN-awf/ [noun] – water from rain, farms, or other sources that flows over land and carries substances into rivers, lakes, or seas Heavy rain caused chemical runoff from the…
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New USDA experiment tests drones to deter wolves

wolf

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If animals came close to your home, how would you try to keep them away without hurting them? What sounds do you think might scare animals away? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. loudspeaker /LOUD-spee-ker/ [noun] – a device that makes sounds louder so many people can hear them The school installed a loudspeaker to announce emergency messages. reintroduction /ree-in-truh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of bringing back a species, law, or idea that was gone before The reintroduction of pandas into the forest helped increase their population. tension /TEN-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Thousands of redheads gather in Tilburg for annual festival

redhead

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of festival would you like to join if you could travel anywhere? How can a festival make people feel proud of who they are? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. workshop /WURK-shop/ [noun] – a class or meeting where people learn about a subject or practice a skill The school organized workshops on safe internet use for students. prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of stopping something from happening The clinic gave free advice on the prevention of common diseases. session /SESH-uhn/ [noun] – a period of time set…
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Growing tensions in Paris as overtourism transforms Montmartre

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of places in your town or city do many visitors like to go to? What feelings do crowded places give you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – the act of trying to influence or control someone or something; strong force or stress The hospital faced pressure from the public to provide faster services. banner /BAN-er/ [noun] – a long piece of cloth or paper with words or pictures used to show a message in public Protesters carried banners to show their opinions about the new…
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Tokyo releases simulation to prepare for possible Mount Fuji eruption

Mt Fuji

©(AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What natural disasters are common in your country? What items do you think are most important to keep at home in case of an emergency? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unveil /uhn-VEYL/ [verb] – to show or announce something publicly for the first time The city government unveiled a new plan to reduce air pollution in urban areas. violent /VAHY-uh-luhnt/ [adjective] – involving strong force, danger, or destruction The coastal town was damaged by a violent storm last summer. prediction /pri-DIK-shuhn/ [noun] – a statement…
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Nigeria bans raw shea nut exports to boost local industry

shea

©(AP Photo/David Durowaiye) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What products do you know that are made from plants or natural ingredients? What do you think is more helpful for people in small communities: farming or building factories? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that stops people from doing or using something The city announced a six-month ban on plastic bags to reduce waste. capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to hold, produce, or deal with something The stadium has the capacity to hold 50,000 people for the football match….
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Climate change intensified deadly wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, study finds

Cris-News (20)

©AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever read about wildfires in the news? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you imagine happens? Do you know why high temperatures and droughts can cause fires? If so, can you give an example? If not, what do you think happens to trees? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – very important because of its effect on the future of something Clean water is pivotal for good health. susceptible /suh-SEP-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – easily influenced or harmed by something…
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Japan expands matcha production as global demand surges

matcha

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of drinks or desserts do you enjoy the most? What traditional food or drink is popular in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reputation /rep-yuh-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the opinion people have about someone or something, based on past behavior or quality The school has a strong reputation for excellent teaching. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning, cause, or source of something Scientists studied the origin of the ancient artifacts. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation where there is not enough of something that is needed Hospitals reported…
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Polish village preserves lace heritage while attracting world fashion houses

crochet

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of things do people in your country make by hand? Do you think handmade items are more special than factory-made items? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. practice /PRAK-tis/ [noun] – a regular way of doing something; a custom or tradition The practice of planting trees during festivals has continued in many villages. craft /kraft/ [noun] – a skill in making things by hand Pottery is a traditional craft that many families in the town still teach their children. fixed /fikst/ [adjective] – not changing;…
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