Intermediate

UK forests face imminent collapse, urgent action needed

Forest

©Nick Upton/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are some common challenges or threats that forests around the world face today? How important do you think forests are in terms of their contributions to the environment and human well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Despite their efforts, the decline in sales was noticeable. collapse /kuh-LAPS/ [noun] – a serious and sudden deterioration or breakdown The collapse of the old bridge was a shocking event for the town. extensive…
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Four astronauts return home from ISS following hurricane in Florida

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What personal qualities and training do you think are essential for someone to become an astronaut and undertake missions in space? What is a hurricane, and how does it affect the weather and environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. amid /uh-MID/ [preposition] – in the middle of or surrounded by Amid the bustling city streets, she found a moment of tranquility. conclude /kuhn-KLOOD/ [verb] – to cause something to end, or to end The meeting will conclude with a summary of the key points discussed and the next steps to…
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New island emerges in Pacific near Japan’s Iwo Jima

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is land formed in different geographical locations around the world? Can you provide examples of different processes that lead to the formation of land? Have you ever heard of or seen a newly formed island? If so, how do you think such islands are created? If not, have you ever been curious about natural phenomena like islands forming? If so, what sparked your interest in such topics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volcano / vol-KEY-noh / [noun] – a mountain or hill with a vent through which molten rock…
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University of Colorado Boulder researchers unearth revolutionary insights

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals do you know of that have stripes on their bodies? How do these stripes help them in their natural habitats? Have you ever wondered why zebras have stripes? What are some possible explanations for their stripes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] – to carry out or perform a particular action, experiment, or investigation The scientist will conduct an experiment to test the new hypothesis. leopard /LEP-erd / [noun] – a large, wild cat with a distinctive pattern of dark spots on its fur We saw…
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WHO reports post-pandemic TB response recovery, urges faster target achievement

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©Provided by Forbes Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge or information do you have about tuberculosis (often abbreviated as TB)? How do you think tuberculosis is transmitted, and what are some common misconceptions about the disease? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shift /shift/ [noun] – a significant change or adjustment in a particular direction Her promotion to a leadership role marked a significant shift in her career trajectory. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or disclose information During the press conference, the CEO will reveal the company’s plans for expansion into new markets….
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New research suggests natural forces played a role in shaping the Great Sphinx

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which ancient structures or landmarks have fascinated you? What are some ancient structures or landmarks in your country that fascinate people or attract tourists? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation The scientist presented a groundbreaking theory that revolutionized our understanding of the universe. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something…
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Yamanashi governor proposes light rail system for Mount Fuji

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about Mount Fuji? What do you think makes Mount Fuji a popular destination for both tourists and locals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people to consider The committee will propose a new policy to address the environmental concerns raised by the community. ease /eez/ [verb] – to make or become less severe, difficult, unpleasant, painful, etc. The company introduced new software to ease the process of managing inventory…
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The Euclid telescope unveils spectacular cosmic wonders in its inaugural images

ESA

©ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the word “telescope” refers to? How do you imagine a telescope works, and what do you think it is used for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The mountain range appeared distant, shrouded in mist and mystery. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The photographer captured the essence of the city’s vibrant street life through his lens. enable /en-EY-buhl/ [verb] – to make someone or something able to do something,…
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Three US Marines lose lives in tragic Osprey aircraft crash during Australian training exercise

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some different types of airplanes and helicopters you know about? How do you think scientists and engineers make sure airplanes are safe for people to fly in? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aboard /uh-BAWRD/ [preposition] – on or onto a ship, aircraft, bus, or train Three scientists were aboard the research vessel, ready to explore the depths of the ocean. determine /dih-TUR-min/ [verb] – to discover the facts or truth about something It is the responsibility of the court to determine whether these men are innocent. notable…
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No penguin chicks survive as sea ice vanishes

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about penguins and their natural habitats? What kinds of behaviors or characteristics are commonly associated with penguins? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. altered /AAL-trd/ [adjective] – changed; different The altered schedule for the event caused some confusion among the participants. breed /breed/ [verb] – to keep animals for the purpose of producing young animals in a controlled way The farmer bred the cows to improve their milk production and develop a stronger herd. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to suit different…
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