Intermediate

AI revolutionizes healthcare for Japan’s beloved cats

2024年7月4日

simba-8618301_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of pets are common in your country? What do you consider the most challenging aspect of owning a pet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to proudly possess or to emphasize something desirable or impressive about oneself or something else The company boasts a revolutionary new technology that has changed the industry. database /DEY-tuh-beys/ [noun] – a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways The company maintains a comprehensive database of customer preferences to tailor their…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Senior breakdancing takes center stage in Japan ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

2024年7月3日

Breakdancing

©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the chance to influence the Olympics, what new sport or activity would you propose and why? What factors might influence a person to explore a completely new physical discipline later in life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seize /seez/ [verb] – to take something quickly and keep or hold it After years of contemplation, she decided to seize the chance to travel around the world. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – restricted or limited to a select group of people The boutique offers exclusive designer clothing that is…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Endangered no more: Iberian lynx reclassified as vulnerable after remarkable recovery efforts

2024年7月2日

lynx-5581792_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Iberian lynx and its habitat? How important do you think the survival of endangered species like the Iberian lynx is? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. native /NAY-tiv/ [adjective] – used to refer to plants and animals that grow naturally in a place, and have not been brought there from somewhere else The kangaroo is native to Australia. endangered /en-DAN-jerd/ [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive The panda is an endangered animal that needs…
Read more

Intermediate

,

New fossil discovery sheds light on pre-dinosaur predators in Brazil

2024年7月1日

fossil

©Rodrigo Temp Muller/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think scientists want to explore and study ancient life forms from millions of years ago? Would you like to become a paleontologist? If so, what aspects of studying prehistoric life interest you? If not, what other fields of science or exploration do you find more appealing, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crocodile /KROK-uh-dahyl/ [noun] – a large reptile with a hard skin that lives in and near rivers and lakes in hot, wet parts of the world The Nile…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Los Angeles schools vote to ban smartphones for learning and health

2024年6月30日

girl-5425872_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role should technology play in classrooms to enhance learning outcomes? What are some ways schools can help students stay focused during classes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. package /PAK-ij/ [noun] – containers or wrappings in which items are enclosed Please ensure the package is securely sealed before shipping it out. pouch /pouch/ [noun] – a bag or soft container for a small object or a small amount of something She kept her spare change in a small leather pouch. nationwide /NEY-shuhn-WAHYD/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts…
Read more

Intermediate

,

World Bank revises global economic growth forecast to 2.6%

2024年6月29日

economic-1050731_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “global economic growth forecast” refer to? How might such forecasts impact different countries? Can you name any factors that could affect global economic growth positively or negatively? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. improvement /im-PROOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act or process of making something better Despite the improvement in technology, there are still many challenges to overcome. barrier /BARE-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents movement or access; an obstacle Language barriers can make it difficult for people from different countries to communicate effectively. conflict /KON-flikt/ [noun] – a serious…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Tropical storm Alberto makes landfall, triggering floods and evacuations in Texas and Northern Mexico

2024年6月28日

ai-generated-8244286_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a storm? If so, what kind of storm was it and how did it affect you? If not, what do you think it would be like to experience one? What do you know about how storms form? Can you describe the conditions that might lead to the formation of a storm? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flash flood /FLASH fluhd/ [noun] – a sudden and severe flood, typically caused by heavy rain After the heavy rain, a flash flood swept through the village, damaging homes and…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Extreme heat endangers health and safety

2024年6月27日

heatwave

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What changes have you noticed in the weather patterns over the past few years? How do those changes you mentioned affect your daily life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dizziness /DI-zee-nuhs/ [noun] – a temporary feeling that your sense of balance is not good and that you may fall down She felt a sudden wave of dizziness and had to sit down to steady herself. thirst /thurst/ [noun] – a need for something to drink After spending hours in the scorching sun, she experienced a strong thirst and eagerly reached…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Ancient DNA analysis uncovers pivotal horse evolution 4,200 years ago

2024年6月26日

dna-8829661_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about how animals change over time to better survive in their environments? Why do you think some species survive while others go extinct? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen The event will occur next week, so we need to prepare. domestication /duh-mes-ti-KAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of bringing animals or plants under human control in order to provide food, power, or company The domestication of dogs happened thousands of years ago. archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective]…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Regan Smith shatters records and hearts

2024年6月25日

young-swimmer-2501548_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you enjoy most about swimming? What types of swimming styles do you know? Can you describe or demonstrate one of those styles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. determination /dih-tur-muh-NAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something Her determination to succeed helped her win the swimming competition. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have; to keep in existence He tries to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit for swimming. obstacle /OB-stuh-kuhl/ [noun] – something that blocks your way so that movement or…
Read more

Intermediate

,