Intermediate

Rare snow blankets southern China amidst freezing northern temperatures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you imagine a place that rarely sees snow suddenly being covered in a blanket of snow? How do you think the daily routines and activities of people in a region unaccustomed to snow might be impacted by the occurrence of rare snowfall? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. failure /FEYL-yer / [noun] – the fact of someone or something not succeeding The student felt a deep sense of failure when she couldn’t solve the math problem. expectation /ek-spek-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling that…
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Brazilian drought impacts fertilizer sales and global agriculture

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge do you have about the term ‘El Niño’? What plants or crops are your country known for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting them, or the crops that are cut and collected During autumn, farmers begin the harvest of ripe fruits and vegetables from their fields. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone…
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Italian food historian sparks carbonara recipe debate

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are carbonara or similar pasta dishes typically prepared in your country or culture? What cuisines from other countries do you believe are popular among people in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important The oxygen was vital for the diver’s survival underwater. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to come forth, appear, or become known After the heavy storm, a new problem emerged when the city discovered extensive flooding in several neighborhoods. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] –…
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Thai rice fields blossom into whimsical cat art, attracting tourists and transforming agriculture

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©REUTERS/Napat Wesshasartar Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images or ideas come to mind when you hear the words “farming” or “agriculture”? How do you think farming relates to the arts? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – varied or different The restaurant offered a diverse menu, featuring dishes from various cuisines around the world. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice or work of farming Sustainable agriculture aims to balance food production with environmental stewardship. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [noun] – power to attract, please, or stimulate the mind of someone The novel’s universal themes…
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Cyclone Jasper brings floods and crocodile sightings to Australia’s northeast

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©Brent Paterson/via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might happen to a community or area if it experiences a flood? How do you think residents in a flood-prone region prepare for and cope with the challenges of floods? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order The surprise party threw the room into chaos as guests shouted and balloons flew in every direction. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not…
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Auction Direct USA unveils extensive collection of high-quality used Kia vehicles in Raleigh

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors do you consider when looking for a car to purchase in the used car market? Can you name some common challenges people face when buying a used car? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. selection /si-LEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of carefully choosing or picking something from a group of options The dealership had a wide selection of cars, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks. satisfaction /sat-is-FAK-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling of contentment or fulfillment derived from achieving what one desires The customer expressed great satisfaction with the car’s performance…
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Britain contemplates a social media crackdown for under-16s amid growing concerns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “social media”? Can you think of any examples or ways people might use it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [verb] – to start something that will last for a long time, or to create or set something in a particular way The company plans to establish a new policy to promote eco-friendly practices in the workplace. consideration /kuhn-sid-uh-REY-shuhn / [noun] – the act of thinking about something carefully Before making a decision, it’s important to take various considerations into…
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Switzerland’s glaciers rapidly lose ice

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©Matthias Huss/GLAMOS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or think about ‘glaciers’? Have you already experienced the effects of climate change? In what way? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapid /RAP-id/ [adjective] – fast or sudden She made a rapid decision to accept the job offer without much deliberation. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The professor linked various concepts to illustrate the broader theory. vanish /VAN-ish/ [verb] – to disappear or stop being present or existing, especially in a sudden,…
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China addresses housing crisis amid property market challenges

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©REUTERS/Tingshu Wang Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What problems do you think people face when it comes to finding homes or places to live? What factors do you consider before choosing a place to live or deciding on a house to move into? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl / [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something She struggled to meet her deadlines amidst a heavy workload at the office. debt /det/ [noun] – something, especially money, that is owed to someone else, or the…
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AI drives more game production and job opportunities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular AI-driven games in your country? What do you know about job opportunities related to Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prospect /PROS-pekt/ [noun] – the possibility that something good might happen in the future The business expansion presented a promising prospect for increased revenue and growth in the coming years. dialogue /DAHY-uh-lawg/ [noun] – conversation that is written for a book, play, or film The novel’s engaging dialogue between the characters made it enjoyable to read. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective] – being careful to avoid…
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