Intermediate

Unlocking Earth’s secrets

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the different layers of the earth, and how do they differ in composition and properties? What are some of the biggest mysteries that scientists are still trying to solve about the Earth’s geology? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diamond /DAHY-muhnd/ [noun] – a transparent, extremely hard precious stone that is used in jewelry, and in industry for cutting hard things I found a beautiful diamond on the beach while I was on vacation. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The little…
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Glass vs plastic: Which one is truly better for the environment?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you use environmentally friendly products? Why or why not? What are some of the materials that could be used for packaging purposes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-ruh-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/ [adjective phrase] – not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment: My sister always uses an environmentally friendly water bottle to reduce plastic waste. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products to make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance…
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‘Godfather of AI’ quits Google, warns public of its potential danger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which areas of your life are enhanced by AI or artificial intelligence? Do you think people should be careful how they use AI? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact John was too shy to express his feelings for his crush, so he wrote a letter instead. independently /in-di-PEN-duhnt-lee/ [adverb] – without being influenced or controlled in any way by other people, events, or things The children were encouraged to think independently and come up with their…
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Ocean Census eyes discovery of new marine species

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How many marine species are you familiar with? Do you think it’s important to protect our oceans? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity The conservation of forests and other natural areas helps mitigate the effects of climate change. harm /hahrm/ [noun] – physical or other injury or damage The harm caused by the wildfire was devastating to the local community….
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Get inspired with awe-inspiring home facades

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is exterior design, and why is it essential? What are some of the latest trends in exterior design in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiring /uhn-SPAI-uh-ruhng/ [adjective] – encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something Watching the Olympic athletes perform was very inspiring for the students in the audience. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way My friend has a unique talent for drawing cartoons that no one else can…
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The rise of understated yet luxurious style

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the definition of “luxury” changed over time? What is Stealth Luxe fashion and how is it different from traditional luxury fashion? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constantly /KON-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – all the time or often My little brother constantly asks me to play with him after school. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – intelligent or made in a complicated way and therefore able to do complicated tasks The new restaurant in town has a sophisticated ambiance with dim lights and fancy decorations. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea…
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Asian Elephant Habitat Loss Threatens Species Survival

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever had an encounter with an elephant? Tell me about it. If not, would you want to? Do you think humans have caused too much damage to Mother Nature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. habitat /HAB-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives The zookeepers built a special habitat for the lions with tall grass and rocks. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Due to a decline in enrollment, the…
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Japanese company’s private moon landing likely ended in crash

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the opportunity, would you like to go to the moon? Why or why not? Do you think humans are soon to reach the level of technology necessary to make living on the moon possible? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The scientist used a microscope to study the surface of the cell and its intricate structures. acquire /uh-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] – to get or obtain something The language learner was able to acquire fluency through immersion in…
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Recovering lost treasures and advocating for preservation

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©Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people go to such great lengths to find lost treasures? Why is it important to preserve historical artifacts and treasures for future generations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stretch /strech/ [verb] – to cause something to reach, often as far as possible, in a particular direction After sitting for a long time at their desks, the students decided to stand up and stretch their arms and legs to help them feel more awake and focused. loss /laws/ [noun] – a situation in…
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Protein Powders: Are They Right for You?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of using powder supplements? What should a person know before starting a powder supplement regimen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. recovery /ri-KUHV-uh-ree / [noun] – the process of becoming well again after an illness or injury After injuring his leg, he took a week off from running to allow for a proper recovery. adequate /AD-i-kwit/ [adjective] – enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose She made sure to drink adequate water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make…
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