Intermediate

Experts emphasize balanced eating over strict schedules

exercise

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you were going to run a marathon or play a sport, what kinds of food would you choose to eat before and after? Why? If you had to design your own “perfect meal” for a workout day, what would you include? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – information or facts that show something is true There is no strong evidence to prove that studying late at night improves memory. dietitian /dahy-i-TISH-uhn/ [noun] – a person who is trained to give advice on healthy eating and…
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Early humans used bones to make tools 1.5 million years ago

animal bones

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could go back in time, what would you want to teach early humans? What are some everyday tools you use? How do they help make tasks easier? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. handheld /HAND-held/ [adjective] – small and designed to be held in the hand The researchers developed a handheld device to detect air pollution in urban areas. weapon /WEP-uhn/ [noun] – an object used to harm or attack Ancient warriors used spears and bows as weapons for hunting and battle. craftsmanship /KRAFTS-muhn-ship/ [noun] – the skill of…
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Monarch butterfly population sees significant recovery amid conservation efforts

Monarch

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could fly like a butterfly, where would you go? Why? What do you think butterflies need to survive? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fir /fur/ [noun] – a type of evergreen tree that has flat needles and is commonly used as a Christmas tree In winter, the fir forest looked magical, with snow covering its branches. favorable /FEY-ver-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – beneficial or helping to produce a good result The company expanded its business due to favorable economic conditions. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – naturally existing in a certain place…
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Bringing back extinct traits with genetic engineering

GMO

©(Colossal Biosciences via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could bring back an extinct animal, which one would you choose? Why? If you could change one small trait about yourself (like hair color or height), would you do it? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. woolly /WOOL-ee/ [adjective] – covered with or resembling wool; having a thick, soft, or fluffy texture The sheep had a thick, woolly coat to protect it from the cold winter. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – at risk of becoming extinct or disappearing The government is working…
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Jimmy Johnson announces retirement from Fox Sports after 31 years

News (10)

©AP Photo/ Chris Szagola, File Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about American football? Can you name any famous teams or players? What do you think makes American football different from other sports like soccer or rugby? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – used to describe something that is very unusual or special in a positive way Her remarkable talent for drawing amazed everyone. fulfilling /fool-FIL-ing/ [adjective] – making you feel happy and satisfied because you are doing something that you think is important He found his job in…
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Private lunar lander Blue Ghost successfully touches down on the moon, opening new frontier in space exploration

News (9)

©NASA/Firefly Aerospace Via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it takes to land something on the moon? Do you think the technology is ready for more moon landings? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to encourage people to do or buy something The company wants to promote its new product. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something important that you succeed in doing after trying hard Winning the race was her greatest achievement. despite /dih-SPAHYT/ [preposition] – in spite of; even though Despite the rain, we…
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Daylight Saving Time (DST) affects sleep and health

DST

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you do to make sure you get enough sleep? If you could change the time of sunrise or sunset, what would you choose and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. vary /VAIR-ee/ [verb] – to change in different situations or for different people Prices for fresh vegetables vary depending on the season and location. adjust /uh-JUHST/ [verb] – to change something slightly to fit a new situation or condition He had to adjust his diet after being diagnosed with diabetes. reset /ree-SET/ [verb] – to return something to…
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Experts warn of increased mudslide risks in California due to wildfires, droughts, and climate change

News (8)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think it is important to prepare for natural disasters? If you were in charge of keeping a town safe from mudslides, what would you do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mudslide /MUHD-slide/ [noun] – a flow of mud, debris, or rock that falls down a slope, often after heavy rain The mudslide covered the road after the heavy rain. wildfire /WAHYLD-fahyuhr/ [noun] – Meaning: A large, destructive fire that spreads quickly in nature, especially in forest areas. The wildfire spread quickly due to strong winds. tragic /TRAJ-ik/…
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Better sleep starts with better food

food and sleep

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually eat before bed? What do you think makes a meal “healthy”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. saturated /SACH-uh-rey-tid/ [adjective] – completely soaked or filled with something, often to the maximum limit Fast food is often high in saturated fats, which can contribute to weight gain. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt or cause disorder in something The sudden power outage disrupts the company’s daily operations, delaying important tasks. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and health Fruits and vegetables are…
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Low-light indoor plants enhance office spaces

Indoor plants

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a place feel calm and relaxing? If you could design your perfect study or workspace, would you include plants? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. greenery /GREE-nuh-ree/ [noun] – plants and vegetation, especially those used for decoration or landscaping The city added greenery along the sidewalks to create a more relaxing environment. toxin /TOK-sin/ [noun] – poisonous substance that can cause harm to living organisms Some types of seafood contain toxins that can be harmful if not cooked properly. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective]…
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