Intermediate

Kirin’s electric spoon transitions from Ig Nobel to dining tables

Electric Spoon

©REUTERS/Tom Bateman/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of flavors do people in your country usually enjoy in their food? What are some potential health risks associated with consuming too much salt? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. device /dih-VAHYS/ [noun] – an object or machine that has been invented for a particular purpose The device was specifically designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in their daily tasks. salty /SAWL-tee/ [adjective] – tasting of salt or containing a lot of salt The soup was too salty, so I added some water to dilute…
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Sun unleashes strongest flare in nearly two decades amid unusual solar activity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are solar flares, and how do they occur? Why are solar flares important to study? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynamics /dahy-NAM-iks/ [noun] – refers to the forces, factors, or elements that contribute to the overall behavior, functioning, or changes within a system or situation The dynamics of a classroom can change dramatically depending on the teacher’s approach to teaching. analysis /uh-NAL-uh-sis / [noun] – examination and interpretation of data or information to understand its significance The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the experiment results to draw accurate…
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Solar storm unleashes dazzling Northern Lights display across Northern Hemisphere

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a solar storm, and what do you know about its effects on Earth? Do you think solar storms are predictable events? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. solar storm /SOH-ler stawrm/ [noun] – a disturbance on the Sun, such as a solar flare or coronal mass ejection, that releases a large amount of energy into space, potentially affecting Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms Scientists study solar storms to better understand how they can impact our planet. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl / [adjective] – able to be…
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Research uncovers baobab tree’s history and oceanic routes

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you believe are the benefits of trees to the environment and to humans? Have you ever participated in tree-planting or conservation activities? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in getting involved in such activities in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear or originate Fossils indicate that the earliest mammals emerged on Earth in the Triassic period, evolving from reptile-like ancestors. seed pod /seed pod/ [noun] – a long, narrow part…
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Fort McMurray wildfire sparks evacuations amidst favorable winds

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about wildfires? How do they typically start, and what are some of the consequences? Why do you think wildfires are more common in some regions than others? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. break out /breyk out/ [phrasal verb] – to start suddenly and violently, especially of a fire or war The campers were frightened when the forest fire broke out nearby. lead to /leed too/ [phrasal verb] – to cause something to happen or result in a particular situation Careless disposal of cigarettes can lead to…
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Orangutan treats wound with medicinal plant, captures scientific interest

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about orangutans? Where do they live, and what are some of their distinctive characteristics? How do you think humans and animals might be similar or different when it comes to problem-solving abilities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wound /woond/ [noun] – a damaged area of the body, such as a cut or hole in the skin or flesh made by a weapon He received a deep wound on his arm during the accident. chew /choo/ [verb] – to crush food into smaller, softer pieces with the…
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New television series sheds light on Mahatma Gandhi’s formative years

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any historical figures from your country? What do you know about them? Are you interested in learning about history through entertainment media? If yes, what aspects of history do you find most interesting to learn about this way? If not, what other methods do you prefer for learning about history? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/ [adjective] – having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed She set ambitious goals for herself this year, aiming to climb the corporate ladder while earning her master’s…
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NotCo launches an AI-designed turtle soup alternative

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about plant-based foods? What are some potential benefits of using plant-based ingredients instead? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. combination /kom-buh-NEY-shuhn / [noun] – the result or product of combining two or more elements, substances, or ingredients together The artist experimented with different color combinations until she found the perfect palette for her painting. technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to, or involving, technology The company invested heavily in technological advancements to improve their production processes. intensive /in-TEN-siv/ [adjective] – involving a lot of effort or activity in…
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New regulations to combat Salmonella in chicken products

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is Salmonella? How does Salmonella contamination affect food safety? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. producer /pruh-DOO-ser/ [noun] – someone who makes goods or grows food for sale The farmer is a producer of fresh vegetables, selling them at the local market. substance /SUHB-stuhns/ [noun] – a particular type of matter with uniform properties Water is a substance essential for life, found in rivers, lakes, and oceans. specific /spi-SIF-ik/ [adjective] – clearly defined or identified Can you give me specific instructions on how to operate this machine? safety /SEYF-tee/ [noun]…
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Japan turns to coastal eelgrass in pioneering effort to neutralize carbon emissions

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©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What environmental impacts or changes related to climate change do you observe or feel in your local area? What shifts in behavior or lifestyle choices do you think could have a positive impact on the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or essential The surgeon’s quick decision-making was critical to the success of the operation. restore /ri-STAWR/ [verb] – to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position After years of neglect, the community worked together to restore…
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