Intermediate

The renaissance of lost rivers reveals the city’s hidden past

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©Michael Shorey/Enfield Council Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of the term “lost rivers”? What do you think it means? Can you think of any reasons why a city might have lost rivers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The hidden treasure was buried beneath the old oak tree in the enchanted forest. inhabitant /in-HAB-i-tuhnt/ [noun] – a person or animal that lives in a particular place In the small village, each inhabitant knew their…
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Cinematic masterpiece

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the most popular Marvel movies that have been released so far? What are some of the key themes and messages that are commonly explored in Marvel movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breathtaking /BRETH-tey-king/ [adjective] – extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking and I couldn’t help but take a picture to remember it forever. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen I was able to witness a beautiful sunset on the beach yesterday. appreciation /uh-pree-shee-EY-shuhn /…
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Nagoya transforms from dull to dynamic

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which city would you want to visit the most? Why? What would be your main reason for visiting a different city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unnoticed /uh-NOW-tuhst/ [adjective] – without being seen or noticed The naughty boys managed to slip away, unnoticed by the teacher. scenic /SEE-nik/ [adjective] – having or allowing you to see beautiful natural features The hiking trail led us through a scenic forest with tall, ancient trees and a gentle stream flowing alongside, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. diverse /DAHY-vurs/ [adjective] – including many…
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Webb telescope spots signs of concealed planets

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you find other planets interesting? Why or why not? Do you know of other planets aside from the ones in our solar system? Tell me about them. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. telescope /TEL-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a cylinder-shaped device for making objects that are far away look closer and larger, using a combination of lenses, or lenses and curved mirrors The scientist used the telescope to study the behavior of the stars in the night sky. extend /ik-STEND/ [verb] – to reach, stretch, or continue The river extends for…
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Unlocking the power of genetics

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are traits passed down from one generation to another? What is genetics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. genetics /juh-NET-iks/ [noun] – the study of how, in all living things, the characteristics and qualities of parents are given to their children by their genes Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down from parents to their children through their DNA. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The new highway will link the two cities, making it easier and…
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Balancing autonomy and community in a post-pandemic world

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like working in the office? Why or why not? What do you know about the hybrid work model? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective] – far away in distance We took a trip to a remote island where there were no roads or cars, and we had to walk or take a boat to get around. combine /kuhm-BAHYN/ [verb] – to (cause to) exist together, or join together to make a single thing or group In cooking class, we learned how to combine different ingredients like…
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NASA launches TROPICS mission to upgrade hurricane forecasting

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you watch weather forecasts? Why or why not? Do you think the weather and climate forecasts that we now have are accurate? What could be improved? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem Sarah showed great initiative by organizing a community clean-up event, gathering volunteers and cleaning supplies to make a positive impact on the neighborhood. subsequent /SUHB-si-kwuhnt/ [adjective] – happening after something else After the heavy rain, subsequent flooding occurred, causing road closures and…
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Tech startup boosts dairy industry with ‘Fitbit’ for cows

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you worn Fitbits or smartwatches? How was the experience?  Do you think wearable devices could be useful in other areas of our lives? Which one do you have in mind? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. innovative /IN-uh-vey-tiv/ [adjective] – using new methods or ideas The innovative startup introduced a game-changing app that simplifies everyday tasks and enhances productivity. reminder /ri-MAYHN-der/ [noun] – a written or spoken message that reminds someone to do something The sticky note on the fridge served as a helpful reminder for Mark to pay his…
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The ultra-low-carbon lifestyle trend taking the world by storm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint and living a more sustainable life? Why or why not? Do you think that living an ultra-low-carbon lifestyle is more expensive than a traditional lifestyle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thoughtful /THAWT-fuhl/ [adjective ] – carefully considering things My teacher was very thoughtful when she took the time to explain the lesson to me again, even though I had already asked her several times. lifestyle /LAHYF-stahyl / [noun] – someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of…
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China’s 2200-year-old Burger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the burger evolved over time? What are the typical ingredients in burgers in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting Learning about ancient Egypt is fascinating because of the incredible pyramids and fascinating hieroglyphics. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – used to describe the particular way in which something started to exist or someone started their life The origin of pizza can be traced back to Italy, where it was first made with simple ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. mouth-watering /MOUTH-waw-ter-ing/ [adjective] – (of…
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