Intermediate

Deadpool & Wolverine movie stirs up excitement among fans

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©20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you watched a movie about Deadpool/ Wolverine? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, would you like to watch one? Why or why not? What do you think are some of the notable characteristics or abilities of these two characters? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. take charge /TAYK CHAARJ/ [phrasal verb] – to assume control or responsibility for something During group projects, it’s important for each member to take charge of their assigned tasks to ensure success. unforgettable /uhn-fer-GET-uh-buhl/ [adjective]…
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Russian programmers outsmart censors in digital cat and mouse game

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a VPN? What might lead a government to restrict internet content? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [noun] – a determined effort or fight to achieve or resist something The struggle for civil rights was a long and arduous battle, but it eventually led to significant social change. liberty /LIB-er-tee/ [noun] – the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s actions, thoughts, or beliefs The constitution guarantees the liberty to express opinions without fear of government retaliation. media /MEE-dee-uh/ [noun] – the…
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Storm surge overwhelms Cape Town’s Turtle Conservation Center

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a storm surge? How do you think a storm surge might affect coastal areas? What kind of animals do you think might be affected by a storm surge, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of protecting and preserving natural resources, wildlife, or the environment The conservation of endangered species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity. volunteer /vol-uhn-TEER/ [noun] – a person who offers to do something willingly without payment, often for a charitable or community organization Many volunteers help clean up beaches…
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Barbie marks 65 years amidst expanded doll diversity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any famous toys or dolls that have been popular for many years? What do you think makes a toy or doll popular among children? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiration /in-spuh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something The breathtaking scenery of the countryside served as inspiration for the artist’s latest painting. skin tone /skin tohn/ [noun] – the color of the surface of someone’s skin The makeup brand offers a wide range of foundations to match every skin tone perfectly. disability…
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British girl and father uncover gigantic marine reptile fossils

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©Sergey Krasovskiy/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “evolution” mean? What are some examples of prehistoric marine creatures you know? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. indicate /IN-di-keyt/ [verb] – to suggest, show, or be a sign of something The presence of fresh footprints indicates that someone was here recently. distinguished /dih-STING-gwisht/ [adjective] – used to describe someone or something that is characterized by excellence, renown, or notable achievement She received an award from a distinguished panel of experts for her innovative research in environmental science. combined /kuhm-BAHYND/ [adjective] – describes…
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Russian cosmonaut sets new space duration record

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are some of the challenges astronauts face during long-duration space missions? How do you think astronauts prepare themselves physically and mentally for space missions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fellow /FEL-oh/ [adjective] – used to refer to someone who has the same job or interests as you, or is in the same situation as you I discussed the project with my fellow colleagues to gather their insights and perspectives. corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a large company or group of companies that is controlled together as a…
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Marriott International leads massive environmental cleanup in Bali

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common environmental issues that communities around the world face? What might be the impact of plastic waste on natural environments? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volunteer /vol-uhn-TEER/ [noun] – a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task Last weekend, many volunteers joined the beach cleanup to remove plastic waste from the shore. ton /tuhn/ [noun] – a unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds (approximately 907 kilograms) The delivery truck carried three tons of food supplies to the disaster-stricken area….
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Apple’s Vision Pro transforms media experience today

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©REUTERS/Mike Blake Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about the latest innovations in home entertainment and workplace technology? Have you ever used any virtual reality or augmented reality devices? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what are your thoughts or knowledge about how these devices work and their potential applications? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. web browser /web BROU-zer/ [noun] – a computer program that makes it possible for you to read information on the internet I opened my web browser to search for the latest news updates. long-term…
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Turning 50, hip-hop reinvents itself and impacts wide areas of the world along the way

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any music genres that you know of? What music genre do you like the most, and why do you prefer it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. self-expression /SELF-ik-SPRESH-uhn/ [noun] – the expression of one’s own thoughts, feelings, or ideas, especially through artistic forms In her painting, Maria found a powerful outlet for self-expression, using vibrant colors to convey her emotions. genre /ZHAHN-ruh/ [noun] – a category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter My favorite movie genre is science fiction because I…
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Severe weather causes floods, power outages, and high winds

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do extreme weather conditions impact people’s daily lives? Why do you think it’s important for communities to be prepared for extreme weather events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – reaching a high or the highest degree; very great The extreme heat during the summer made it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see or experience an event or situation We were lucky to witness a beautiful sunset at the beach yesterday. disrupted /duh-SRUHP-tuhd/ [adjective] – describes something that has been interrupted or…
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