Intermediate

Hong Kong welcomes birth of giant panda twins from oldest first-time mother

2024年8月27日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why people might find giant pandas special or important? How might the care and feeding of newborn animals differ from caring for adult animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. give birth /giv burth/ [phrasal verb] – to produce offspring or deliver a baby The mother cat gave birth to a healthy kitten early in the morning. symbol /SIM-buhl/ [noun] – a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else The heart symbol is often used to represent love. newborn /NOO-BAWRN/ [adjective] – recently…
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Intermediate

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Shiveluch Volcano erupts after major quake

2024年8月26日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a volcano to erupt? How might the eruption of a volcano affect nearby areas? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intensity /in-TEN-si-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being intense, or the degree to which something is strong or severe The storm’s intensity made it hard to see outside. Richter scale /RIK-tr-SKAYL/ [noun] – a scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes The earthquake was measured on the Richter scale as a 6.5. seismic activity /SAHYZ-mik ak-TIV-i-tee/ [noun phrase] – the occurrence and movement of events related to the…
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Intermediate

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Spanish laboratory fights dengue with mosquito sterilization initiative

2024年8月25日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What problems can climate change cause for health? Why do some places have more mosquito-borne diseases than others? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spread /spred/ [noun] – the development or growth of something so that it covers a larger area or affects a larger number of people The rapid spread of the virus led to a significant increase in the number of cases across the region. regional /REE-juh-nl/ [adjective] – relating to a specific area or region The regional conference will bring together experts from various fields. large-scale /LAHRJ-SKEYL/ [adjective]…
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Intermediate

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Stonehenge’s altar stone traveled over 460 miles from Scotland, reveals new research

2024年8月24日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous ancient monuments or structures in your country? What makes those ancient monuments or structures famous? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something The complicated instructions on the new device puzzled him. elsewhere /ELS-hwair/ [adverb] – in or to another place or location I couldn’t find the book here, so I’ll look elsewhere. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away Despite their distant locations, the two companies managed to collaborate effectively. sophisticated…
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Intermediate

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“Alien: Romulus” tops North American Box Office

2024年8月23日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name a film that you think performed well at the box office? Why do you think so? Do you believe box office performance affects how you decide which movies to watch? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alien /EYL-yuhn/ [noun] – a creature from another world The story is about an alien who visits Earth. top /top/ [verb] – to be the best or highest in rank She topped the list of the best students in her class. begin with /bih-GIN with/ [phrasal verb] –…
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Intermediate

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South American lungfish holds record for largest genome among all animals

2024年8月22日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean for an animal to adapt to its environment? Can you think of an example? Do you know what genes are? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, can you think of one word that comes to mind when you hear the word “genes”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. freshwater /FRESH-wot-er/ [adjective] – water that is not salty, typically found in rivers, lakes, and streams The lake is a source of freshwater for the nearby towns. entire /en-TAHYUHR/ [adjective] – whole or complete She…
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Intermediate

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Traditional Ethiopian sauna therapy gains popularity among young city dwellers

2024年8月21日

Sauna Ethiopia

©REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common methods people use in your country to relieve muscle pain or skin issues? Do ancient practices still have relevance in modern society? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treatment /TREET-muhnt/ [noun] – a process or action to improve a condition or solve a problem, especially related to health or beauty The doctor recommended a new treatment for her allergies. adjust /uh-JUHST/ [verb] – to change or modify slightly to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result He adjusted the volume on…
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Intermediate

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U.S. government secures Medicare drug price cuts, savings uncertain for older Americans

2024年8月20日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think governments want to make high-priced medications more affordable? What are some reasons that might make it difficult for governments to lower medication costs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insurance /in-SHOOR-uhns/ [noun] – a system where people pay regular amounts of money to get financial protection against possible future loss or damage She bought car insurance to protect against possible accidents. considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl / [adjective] – large in size, amount, or degree He saved a considerable amount of money by shopping sales. savings /sey-vings/ [noun] – the…
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Intermediate

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Banksy unveils final mural at London Zoo, ending animal-themed art series

2024年8月19日

Banksy

©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous artists from your country? What do you think makes an artist’s work become widely recognized and discussed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. installment /in-STAWL-muhnt/ [noun] – a single part or piece of a series of related works The latest novel is the final installment in a popular fantasy series. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a wide scope or range The research team conducted an extensive study to understand the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. tension /TEN-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Alyssa Milano to debut as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s ‘Chicago’ this Fall

2024年8月18日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a Broadway show? If yes, which one do you know about? If not, would you like to learn more about them? What makes a live performance special compared to watching TV or movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theater /THEE-uh-ter/ [noun] – a building or place where plays, movies, or performances are shown The local theater is showing a new film this weekend. satire /SAT-ahyuhr/ [noun] – a way of using humor or exaggeration to criticize or mock something The comedian’s routine was a clever…
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Intermediate

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