Intermediate

Wasp traps prey with spiny abdomen in amber-aged fossil find

wasp

©(Qiong Wu via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could discover an ancient creature, what kind of animal would you like to find? Do you like learning about ancient animals? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parasitic /par-uh-SIT-ik/ [adjective] – living in or on another animal or plant and getting food from it, often harming it The parasitic plant wrapped itself around the tree and slowly weakened it. wasp /wosp/ [noun] – a flying insect with a narrow waist and a sting, often yellow and black in color A wasp…
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Ancient marble statue discovered in garbage bag near Thessaloniki, Greece

Brix-News (3)

©Greek Police via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an archaeological discovery? Why is it important to preserve objects from the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – involving or relating to archaeology Archaeological sites are often found in ancient cities. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something The teacher will assess your homework tomorrow. renowned /ri-NOUND/ [adjective] – famous or well-known for a particular quality or achievement She is renowned for her talent in painting. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a custom…
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Advanced technology revives ancient artifacts at Beijing’s Palace Museum

relics

©(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like learning about history? Why or why not? What do you imagine life was like for people who lived in a palace long ago? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artifact /AHR-tuh-fakt/ [noun] – an object, such as a tool, that was made in the past The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt, including tools and jewelry. craftsmanship /KRAFTS-muhn-ship/ [noun] – skill in making things by hand The necklace was admired for its fine craftsmanship and delicate design. ceramic /suh-RAM-ik/ [noun] – an object made…
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NIH finds processed foods drive overeating

processed

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite snack? Why do you like it? What do you think makes some foods hard to stop eating? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ultraprocessed /UHL-truh PRAH-sest/ [adjective] – (of food) that has been heavily changed from its original form using industrial methods and additives Ultraprocessed snacks like packaged cakes and cookies are often cheaper than fresh foods. fat /fat/ [noun] – a natural oily or greasy substance found in animal bodies and some plant products, often used for energy or cooking This cooking oil has less fat…
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Surge in crocodile attacks in West Sulawesi raises alarm, experts seek solutions

Brix-News (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What should you do if an animal attacks you? Why might animals attack humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or large enough to have an effect The significant increase in attacks worried the local community. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden large increase or rise There was a surge in crocodile attacks last year. link /lingk/ [verb] – to connect or relate things together The rise in air pollution has been linked to an increase in respiratory illnesses in the city. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Experimental treatment shows promise in delaying Alzheimer’s symptoms

Alzheimer

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “Alzheimer’s”? What kinds of things do you think scientists study to help people stay healthy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. plaque /plak/ [noun] – a harmful deposit or buildup, often in the body (e.g., in blood vessels or the brain) Doctors discovered plaques in her arteries that were affecting her blood flow. extended /ik-STEN-did/ [adjective] – longer than usual; continued for a longer time She took an extended vacation to relax after months of hard work. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to…
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Ancient griffin head returns to Greece after decades

Griffin

©(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could see an ancient artifact from any time in history, what would you choose and why? Why do you think museums sometimes display items from other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artifact /AHR-tuh-fakt/ [noun] – an object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest The museum proudly displayed an artifact from an ancient civilization that had recently been discovered. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the quality or state of being physically strong or having great power Her strength and determination helped…
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NASA astronauts set new record with historic 286-day space mission

Brix-News (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could go on a long space mission, what do you think would be the most exciting part? Why? What skills do you think astronauts need to stay calm and focused during long missions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. groundbreaking /GROUND-brey-king/ [adjective] – innovative; introducing new and important changes The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of medicine. underscore /UHN-der-skawr/ [verb] – to emphasize or highlight something The teacher underscored the importance of studying every day. prolonged /pruh-LAWNGD/ [adjective] – lasting for a long time They experienced…
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Utah becomes first state to ban fluoride in public water

News (Utah)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could change something about the water in your area, what would it be and why? Why do you think people might disagree about adding things like fluoride to water? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /pruh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially forbid something The law prohibits smoking inside restaurants to protect public health. strengthen /STRENGK-thuhn/ [verb] – to make something stronger or more effective Exercise strengthens muscles and keeps the body healthy. decay /dih-KAY/ [noun] – the process of becoming damaged or destroyed over time Too much sugar can…
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Japan lowers growth estimate to 2.2% as consumer spending weakens

Image

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do changes in the economy affect daily life, such as shopping or job opportunities? How do you think rising wages can help improve an economy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. estimate /ES-tuh-mit/ [noun] – an approximate judgment or calculation, as of the value, amount, time, size, or weight of something The cost estimate for the new building was higher than expected. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys goods and services Consumers prefer affordable products with good quality. export /EK-sport/ [noun] – something that is exported The company…
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