Intermediate

ALOS-4 satellite successfully launched to enhance Earth observations and national security

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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 space exploration? Do you think space exploration has advantages? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon The rocket soared into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke behind. engineering /EN-juh-neer-ing/ [noun] – the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures Engineering involves solving complex…
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Australia increases visa fees to manage migration surge and enhance education integrity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you considered studying abroad? If yes, where are you thinking of studying? If not, what are your reasons for not considering it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. minister /MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – a government official who heads a specific department or ministry The Minister of Education announced new initiatives to improve school facilities across the country. treat /treet/ [verb] – to behave towards someone or deal with something in a particular way The teacher treats all students equally, regardless of their…
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Brazilian claims world’s largest shirt collection with 6,101 pieces of history

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©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of items are most likely to be collected as hobbies or passions? What motivates individuals to start and maintain collections of specific items? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mere /meer/ [adjective] – only or nothing more than Beyond mere ingredients, the chef sees her dishes as a celebration of local culture and tradition, infused with flavors that evoke memories of childhood. found /found/ [verb] – to establish or bring something into existence Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 to revolutionize space exploration. value /VAL-yoo/ [verb] –…
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Simon Cowell seeks to revive UK boy bands

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any popular boy bands or musical groups that have achieved international fame? What do you think contributed to their success? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. split up /SPLIT uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to separate or disband After years of performing together, the band decided to split up and pursue solo careers. fame /feym/ [noun] – the state of being known or recognized by many people because of your achievements, skills, etc. The band’s album propelled them to international fame, leading to sold-out concerts worldwide. unlike /uhn-LAHYK/ [preposition]…
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Flying squirrel colony found in unexpected university tree removal mission

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about flying squirrels? How do you think they differ from other types of squirrels? Have you ever seen a flying squirrel before? If so, where? If not, what do you think they look like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stumble upon /STUHM-buhl uh-PAWN/ [idiom] – to discover by chance The hikers stumbled upon a hidden waterfall while exploring the dense forest. intrigue /in-TREEG/ [verb] – to interest someone a lot, especially by being strange, unusual, or mysterious The mystery novel intrigued her with its unexpected plot…
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Venus shows more volcanic activity than previously thought

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is for scientists to continuously update their knowledge and understanding of space exploration findings? What planet or planets are you familiar with? What interesting information or facts could you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. radar /REY-dahr/ [noun] – a system that uses radio waves to find the position of objects that cannot be seen The airport’s radar detected an incoming aircraft long before it was visible to the naked eye. scale /skeyl/ [noun] – the size, extent, or level of something,…
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Rising rip current incidents prompt safety warnings across U.S. beaches

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are rip currents, and where do they typically occur? How dangerous can rip currents be for swimmers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. current /KUR-uhnt/ [noun] – a flow of water or air in a certain direction, especially through a narrow channel or space The current in the river was too strong for us to swim against. drowning /DROW-ning/ [noun] – death caused by being underwater and unable to breathe Lifeguards are trained to prevent drownings by watching swimmers closely. catch a wave /kach uh weyv/ [idiom] – ride on…
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Historic tall ship showcases Italian culture globally

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©REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced Italian culture firsthand, perhaps through travel or local events? What aspect of Italian culture left a lasting impression on you? In your view, how do historical symbols and landmarks contribute to a nation’s identity and global reputation? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. voyage /VOI-ij/ [noun] – a long journey, especially by ship The ancient mariner’s voyage across the vast ocean lasted over two years. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – existing or happening now, and therefore seeming modern The architect’s design is a blend…
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Ancient pig-like mammal reveals brain evolution beginnings

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©Scott Reid/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of examples where early forms of life have significantly evolved over time? What factors might have contributed to those changes you mentioned? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. misty /MIS-tee/ [adjective] – if the weather is misty, there is mist in the air that makes it difficult to see into the distance The morning was misty, with fog lingering over the hills and obscuring the view of the valley below. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something One…
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AI revolutionizes healthcare for Japan’s beloved cats

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of pets are common in your country? What do you consider the most challenging aspect of owning a pet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to proudly possess or to emphasize something desirable or impressive about oneself or something else The company boasts a revolutionary new technology that has changed the industry. database /DEY-tuh-beys/ [noun] – a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways The company maintains a comprehensive database of customer preferences to tailor their…
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