Intermediate

NASA: Saturn’s rings may vanish

2023年7月17日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the planet Saturn? What do you know about it? If you were going to describe Saturn to a blind person, how would you describe it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The police officer wore a reflective vest to ensure they were visible to drivers during nighttime patrols. disappearance /dis-uh-PEER-uhns / [noun] – a state or condition in which a person or thing cannot be seen or found The detective was called in to investigate the mysterious disappearance of…
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Intermediate

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World’s most expensive ice cream is from Japan

2023年7月16日

cellato

©Cellato Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most expensive food you have tried? Do you think spending 880,000 yen for a scoop of ice cream is just right? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently studying for my exams, so I can’t go out tonight. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective] – made to look attractive She placed a decorative vase on the shelf as a centerpiece. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The airline takes strict measures to…
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Intermediate

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Rise of highly sensitive parents

2023年7月15日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a sensitive person? Why or why not? What do you think are some common traits or behaviors exhibited by sensitive parents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The car sped rapidly down the road, making it to the finish line in record time. sensitive /SEN-si-tiv/ [adjective] – easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry Sarah is a sensitive person who often feels deeply moved by the emotions of…
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Intermediate

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Unveiling the enchanting power of rhythm

2023年7月14日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is rhythm? How do you personally experience or interact with rhythm in your own life? 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 During the fire drill, the students ran out of the classroom in chaos, unsure of where to go or what to do. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a…
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Intermediate

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Shyness: An experience for all

2023年7月13日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about shyness and its effect on children? Have you ever experienced shyness during your childhood? If so, can you explain your experience? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. indicate /IN-di-keyt/ [verb] – to show, point, or make clear in another way The weather forecast indicates that there will be heavy rain tomorrow. moreover /mawr-OH-ver/ [adverb] – (used to add information) also and more importantly The concert tickets were sold out. Moreover, the band announced an additional show the following week. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or…
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Intermediate

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Comedian’s Army-Themed Joke Leads to $2 Million Fine in China

2023年7月12日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of stand-up comedy? What do you know about it? What do you think about using humor to talk about sensitive or controversial subjects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The manager will implement a new dress code policy for the office next week. prohibit /proh-HIB-it / [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building. sentenced /SEN-tnst/ [adjective] – referring to a person who has been officially declared guilty of…
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Intermediate

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Social media app filters and AI reshape self-representation

2023年7月11日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you used apps that use technology to enhance your photos and videos? How was your experience? In what ways do those apps affect how you think of yourself? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Using a moisturizer can enhance the appearance and texture of your skin. acceptance /ak-SEP-tuhns / [noun] – general agreement that something is satisfactory or right, or that someone should be included in a group The cultural diversity program promotes acceptance and understanding among…
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Intermediate

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Chefs push for better image for MSG

2023年7月10日

Monosodium_glutamate_1_2017-03-13

©FASTILY, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with how other people perceive the use of monosodium glutamate? Tell me about it. Would you eat food with MSG? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. embrace /em-BREYS/ [verb] – to accept something enthusiastically They embraced the idea of a healthier lifestyle and started exercising regularly and eating nutritious meals. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something The use of vibrant colors in the artwork helps to enhance its visual…
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Intermediate

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Clean energy milestones in 2023

2023年7月9日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is clean energy, and why is it important? What are some examples of renewable energy sources? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something new Many families choose to adopt pets from animal shelters instead of buying them from pet stores. shift /shift/ [noun] – a change in position or direction We noticed a shift in the weather as the sky darkened and strong winds started blowing, indicating an approaching storm. revolution /rev-uh-LOO-shuhn/ [noun] – a very important change in the…
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Intermediate

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Pulse-based flours transforming the way we eat for the better

2023年7月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In what dishes do you use flour? What are pulse-based flours? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unlock /uhn-LOK/ [verb] – to discover important new facts about something and make them known to people After hours of studying, Maria finally managed to unlock the secret behind solving quadratic equations. vitamin /VAHY-tuh-min/ [noun] – any of a group of natural substances that are necessary in small amounts for the growth and good health of the body Sarah’s doctor recommended that she eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to boost…
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Intermediate

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