Intermediate

South Korea battles bedbug infestation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “bedbug”? Have you ever encountered or heard of bedbug problems in your area or in the news? What information can you share about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. specialized /SPESH-uh-lahyzd/ [adjective] – relating to one particular area or designed for a particular purpose: The chef used a specialized knife to carve the beautiful ice sculpture for the party. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to illness He got an infection after…
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India achieves historic moon landing as fourth country to land a spacecraft

India MoonLand

©Hindustan Times Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about space exploration? What do you think are some of the key reasons that drive countries and organizations to explore outer space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new species in the rainforest is a significant contribution to our understanding of biodiversity. phase /feyz/ [noun] – any stage in a series of events or in a process of development The construction of the new skyscraper is entering its final phase, with…
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Archaeologists uncover ancient prosthetic hand

Archeologist

©Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about archaeologists and their work? What specific archaeological discoveries or ancient sites have you read or heard about recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. skeleton /SKEL-i-tn/ [noun] – the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body The archaeologists carefully excavated the ancient skeleton to study its structure. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – giving a lot of information with many details The report provided a detailed analysis of market trends. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of…
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New York beach enhances safety with advanced drones

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common safety concerns at beaches? What benefits do you think drones could bring to beach management or lifeguard operations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening The company decided to invest in cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – once every year The local wildlife sanctuary annually organizes a recurring event to celebrate the arrival of migratory birds during the spring season. renewed /ri-NOOD/ [adjective] – begun or happening…
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Young chess genius from India sets to face world champion Magnus Carlsen

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever played chess before? What do you know about the rules of chess? Who are the famous chess players from your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eagerly /EE-ger-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that shows that you want to do or have something very much, especially something interesting or enjoyable The children eagerly opened their presents on Christmas morning. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a person or thing that attracts a lot of attention, excitement, or interest due to their extraordinary abilities, achievements, or qualities The young artist’s…
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FDA proposes ban on additive in popular drinks

Soda

©HealthCastle.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular citrus fruits that are commonly used to flavor beverages? Can you name any well-known citrus-flavored beverages that you’ve tried or heard of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening The government issued a ban on smoking in public places to protect people from secondhand smoke. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something The school prohibits students from using their phones during class to maintain a focused learning environment. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] –…
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Massive wildfire prompts evacuations on Spain’s Tenerife Island

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is a wildfire? Which additional countries do you believe also face wildfires? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/ [noun] – the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality The local community came together to support one another during the aftermath of the devastating wildfire. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – the moral or legal right or ability to control The city’s transportation authority announced plans to improve public transit infrastructure. assist…
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Microsoft utilizes AI to revolutionize software tools with introduction of “Microsoft 365 Copilot” and “Microsoft Editor”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever used any AI-powered tools or software in your daily life? If so, which ones? How do you think AI tools can enhance productivity and efficiency in various tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tool /tool/ [noun] – a device or implement used to carry out a particular function or task In today’s digital age, a computer is an essential tool for many jobs. summarization /suhm-uh-rahy-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of making a summary or concise version of something, often a text or conversation His summarization of the…
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Apple unveils game-changing M3 chip

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common uses for computer chips in technology? Have you heard of the M3 chip before? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl / [adjective] – something that is remarkable is extraordinary or worthy of attention because it is impressive or exceptional The student’s performance in the science competition was remarkable; she won first place with her innovative project. extended /ik-STEN-did/ [adjective] – extended means prolonged or elongated, often referring to something that lasts for a longer period than usual Due to…
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Norwegian blue cheese takes top honors worldwide

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or associations do you have when it comes to different types of cheese? In what ways or on what occasions do you typically consume cheese? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victory /VIK-tuh-ree/ [noun] – an occasion when you win a game, competition, election, war, etc. or the fact that you have won Her victory in the marathon was a testament to her months of rigorous training. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to During the presentation, the speaker emphasized…
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