Intermediate

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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Oscars nominees gather for exclusive pre-ceremony event amid wildfire disruptions

nominee

©Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of events bring famous people together? Why do you think celebrities attend special gatherings before an award ceremony? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nominee /NOM-uh-nee/ [noun] – someone who has been officially suggested for a position, honor, or award She was a nominee for the best singer award at the ceremony. reception /ri-SEP-shuhn/ [noun] – a formal social event where guests are welcomed The hotel held a special reception for its new guests. structured /STRUHK-cherd/ [adjective] – carefully arranged or organized in a particular way The…
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Rare triple cyclone event unfolds in South Pacific amid peak storm season

News (6)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about tropical cyclones? Can you name any famous cyclones from history? What kind of damage can a tropical cyclone cause? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. meteorologist /mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts weather conditions The meteorologist predicted heavy rain, so we brought umbrellas. historical /hi-STAWR-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to events in the past The museum has historical photos of past cyclones. occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/ [noun ] – the fact or frequency of something happening The occurrence of three cyclones at the same…
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