Intermediate

Historical drama dominates awards ceremony

2024年9月20日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of a historical event that might make a good story for a historical drama? Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that is set in the past? What time period was it set in, and what did you learn about that era from it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. award /uh-WAWRD/ [noun] – a prize given to someone for their achievements She received an award for her excellent essay. actor /AK-ter/ [noun] – a person who performs in plays, movies, or television shows The actor…
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Intermediate

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50,000 gallons of water used to extinguish Tesla Semi fire after crash in California, NTSB reports

2024年9月19日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Tesla? What are the advantages and disadvantages of automated driving systems compared to human-driven vehicles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product The company launched a new marketing campaign to promote their latest product. automated /AW-tuh-may-tuhd/ [adjective] – carried out by machines or computers without needing human control The factory’s automated system ensures products are assembled with high precision. freeway /FREE-wey/ [noun] – a high-capacity road designed for…
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Intermediate

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K-pop icons become fashion ambassadors, attracting worldwide audiences

2024年9月18日

Stray

©REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why K-pop has become popular globally? Can you describe the fashion that celebrities in your country are known for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. present /pre-SENT/ [verb] – to show, offer, or display something formally She presented her research findings at the conference. ambassador /am-BAS-uh-der/ [noun] – people who represent or promote a particular activity, brand, or group He was chosen to be one of the brand ambassadors for the new eco-friendly products. label /LEY-buhl/ [noun] – a brand or company that produces…
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Intermediate

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EPA reports major deficiencies in Vermont’s phosphorus management

2024年9月17日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of waste are commonly produced on farms? How might these types of waste affect the environment if not managed properly? How can improper disposal of farm waste impact water sources? What are some specific examples of water quality issues that might arise from this problem? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. standard /STAN-derd/ [noun] – a level of quality or attainment The new car meets safety standards for all drivers. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing or likely to cause harm Smoking is harmful to your health. change /cheynj/ [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Beloved Manhattan garden faces demolition as city pushes for affordable housing

2024年9月16日

Elizabeth Garden

©REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some well-known parks or green spaces in your country? How does the government in your country typically inform the public about new construction projects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dealer /DEE-ler / [noun] – a person who buys and sells goods or services The art dealer managed to sell a rare painting for a significant amount. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [adjective] – different from the one that is usual or expected We need to find an alternative route because the main road is closed. stick with /stik with/…
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Intermediate

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China’s exports surge 8.7% in August amid sluggish domestic economy

2024年9月15日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a weak economy? How might a weak economy affect people’s daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. export /ek-SPAWRT/ [noun] – The action of sending goods to another country for sale. The company handles the export of electronics to several countries. volume /VOL-yoom/ [noun] – the number or amount of something in general The volume of water in the tank is very high. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance The company plans to expand its operations next year. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a…
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Intermediate

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Greece to impose cruise ship tax on popular islands to combat overtourism

2024年9月14日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors make a destination appealing to tourists? What vacation spots would you like to visit someday, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it; or a situation causing mental or emotional strain The deadline for the project created a lot of pressure for the entire team. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially…
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Intermediate

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Ancient Roman tombs with mythological murals to open in Southern Israel’s new educational park

2024年9月13日

mural

©AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of historical sites have you learned about in history class? How do these sites help us understand past cultures and societies? Can you name any well-known conservation projects that you’ve heard about? Why are these projects important for preserving our history and environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conserve /kuhn-SURV/ [verb] – to protect something from being damaged, changed, or wasted We should conserve water by turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known that was previously…
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Intermediate

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National Animal Disease Center tackles bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows

2024年9月12日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What can happen when a new disease affects animals? How might diseases in animals impact people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. livestock /LAHYV-stok/ [noun] – farm animals raised for commercial purposes The farmer checked the livestock to ensure they were healthy and well-fed. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body The doctor treated the infections with a course of antibiotics. facility /fuh-SIL-i-tee/ [noun] – a place or building designed for a specific purpose The new sports facility offers state-of-the-art…
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Intermediate

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US job openings hit lowest level since early 2021

2024年9月11日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “layoff” mean? What industries or jobs do you think are most at risk of layoffs? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed or activity The company noticed a slowdown in sales last month. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – the termination of employment by an employer, often due to economic reasons The factory had a layoff due to decreased production. mixed signal /mikst SIG-nl/ [idiom] – information or actions that suggest different things or are unclear The report gave a mixed…
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Intermediate

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