Intermediate

British teens embrace opportunities at urban school farm

2024年4月2日

SchoolFarm

©REUTERS/Phil Noble Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Aside from the fundamental subjects taught at school, what other areas of study or subjects would you be interested in exploring or learning about? Do you believe schools should prioritize incorporating practical experiences, like working on a school farm or participating in conservation projects, into their curriculum? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt/ [verb] – to recognize how good someone or something is and to value them or it She took a moment to appreciate the beautiful scenery around her. show off /SHOH-awf/…
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Intermediate

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BTS members enlist in military service, fans await reunion

2024年4月1日

BTS

©REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about K-pop and its influence in the music industry? What do you know about mandatory military service in different countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – (of people or animals) to come together in a group The neighbors gather for barbecues. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling or idea by what you say or do or by how you look She expressed her gratitude sincerely. threat /thret/ [noun] – the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a…
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Intermediate

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Vatican artisans revive masterpieces

2024年3月31日

Vatican

©REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most renowned museum in your country? What makes it particularly significant or unique in preserving cultural heritage or showcasing historical artifacts? Why do you think it’s important to preserve ancient or historical pieces in museums or galleries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ton /tuhn/ [noun] – a large amount or a considerable quantity of something The shipment contained a ton of books for the bookstore’s inventory. cause /kawz/ [verb] – to make something happen, especially something bad The heavy rain caused flooding in the streets…
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Intermediate

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Californians swap beaches for ice baths in quest for love

2024年3月30日

Icebath

©REUTERS/Mike Blake Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What ways do people nowadays come together or connect to initiate relationships or build connections? How important do you believe the initial meeting or encounter is when forming a new connection or relationship? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. waterproof /WAW-ter-proof/ [adjective] – not allowing water to go through The jacket is waterproof, so you won’t get wet in the rain. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme temperature made it difficult to go outside during the heatwave. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [noun] – the quality…
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Intermediate

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India faces impending sugar shortage amidst weak rainfall

2024年3月29日

sugarcane-223457_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What particular crops or agricultural products are your region or country known for producing? What are some common challenges or problems that farmers encounter during the cultivation of crops in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The company recorded substantial growth in its revenue last quarter. import /im-PAWRT/ [verb] – to buy or bring in products from another country The company decided to import raw materials from overseas to reduce production costs. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important…
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Intermediate

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EU’s Deforestation Law disrupts coffee industry

2024年3月28日

coffee-3911700_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is the production and supply of coffee to your country’s economy or agricultural sector? What particular regions or areas are known for cultivating or growing coffee in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change The decision to alter the schedule affected everyone’s plans for the day. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The research study linked excessive sugar consumption to…
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Intermediate

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Iceland on high alert as volcano erupts near Grindavik

2024年3月27日

ashes-1867440_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “volcanic eruption”? How do you think volcanic eruptions can impact the surrounding areas and communities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lagoon /luh-GOON/ [noun] – a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by sandbars or coral reefs The tourists enjoyed swimming in the clear, warm waters of the lagoon. movement /MOOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act, process, or result of moving or being moved The slow movement of the glacier fascinated the onlookers. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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Rare snow blankets southern China amidst freezing northern temperatures

2024年3月26日

tree-6835828_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you imagine a place that rarely sees snow suddenly being covered in a blanket of snow? How do you think the daily routines and activities of people in a region unaccustomed to snow might be impacted by the occurrence of rare snowfall? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. failure /FEYL-yer / [noun] – the fact of someone or something not succeeding The student felt a deep sense of failure when she couldn’t solve the math problem. expectation /ek-spek-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling that…
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Intermediate

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Brazilian drought impacts fertilizer sales and global agriculture

2024年3月25日

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge do you have about the term ‘El Niño’? What plants or crops are your country known for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting them, or the crops that are cut and collected During autumn, farmers begin the harvest of ripe fruits and vegetables from their fields. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone…
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Intermediate

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Italian food historian sparks carbonara recipe debate

2024年3月24日

food-2059852_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are carbonara or similar pasta dishes typically prepared in your country or culture? What cuisines from other countries do you believe are popular among people in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important The oxygen was vital for the diver’s survival underwater. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to come forth, appear, or become known After the heavy storm, a new problem emerged when the city discovered extensive flooding in several neighborhoods. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] –…
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Intermediate

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