Intermediate

FDA proposes banning menthol in cigarettes and flavored cigars

2023年12月26日

cigarette-3305409_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about cigars and cigarettes, and how would you differentiate between the two? Can you recall any specific details about the health risks associated with smoking cigars or cigarettes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The significant increase in renewable energy production marked a pivotal milestone in the country’s efforts to combat climate change. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something The school board decided to prohibit the use of cell phones during class hours to enhance…
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Intermediate

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Study links reflux medications to higher dementia risk

2023年12月25日

Acid reflux

©Science Photo Library RF/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is dementia? What do you understand about the terms ‘acid reflux’ or ‘heartburn’? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening The decision to climb the mountain involved a significant element of risk due to the challenging conditions. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate. significantly /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is easy to see or by a large amount The…
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Intermediate

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Prodigious 19-year-old pianist Yunchan Lim inks exclusive deal with Decca Records UK

2023年12月24日

pianist

©JAMES HOLE Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous classical pianists or musicians you’re familiar with? What do you think it takes to become a successful pianist in the music industry? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – limited to a particular person, group, or entity; not shared with others The club had an exclusive membership, allowing only a select few to join. academy /uh-KAD-uh-mee/ [noun] – an organization or institution for a particular subject or art, often for education, training, or study She attended an academy of fine arts…
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Intermediate

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Study expands understanding of Neanderthal DNA in Eurasian populations

2023年12月23日

Neandertal

©JOE MCNALLY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the people who lived in ancient times, similar to early humans? What do you know about DNA and its significance in genetic research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The documentary will feature interviews with leading experts in the field, providing valuable insights into the topic at hand. interact /in-ter-AKT/ [verb] – to communicate or engage with someone or something During the workshop, participants…
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Intermediate

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GSK’s Arexvy vaccine shows promise for a broader age group in the RSV battle

2023年12月22日

Screenshot 2023-11-06 172201

©Leon Neal/Getty Images/FILE Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a vaccine is, and how do you think it works? Why might vaccines be important in healthcare? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medical /MED-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to the treatment of illness and injuries Doctors and nurses provide medical care to people when they are sick or injured. availability /uh-vey-luh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the fact that something can be bought, used, or reached, or how much it can be The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables depends on the season and the local market….
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Intermediate

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A miniature whale fossil discovery sheds light on ancient seas

2023年12月21日

whale-1696051_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is paleontology? What do you think is the importance of studying ancient marine creatures, such as fossilized whales? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem The new experimental treatment represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against a disease that has long eluded effective therapies. astonish /uh-STON-ish/ [verb] – very surprised The unexpected discovery of the rare artifact astonished archaeologists, leaving them in awe of its pristine condition and…
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Intermediate

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Study finds red meat consumption increases type 2 diabetes risk

2023年12月20日

food-4241661_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about red meat and its place in the diet? In your opinion, what are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of including red meat in one’s diet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The extensive library housed books on a wide range of topics, from history to science fiction. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret The detective was hesitant…
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Intermediate

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Tech giants Nvidia and Foxconn join forces for AI and autonomous tech evolution

2023年12月19日

fo

©Foxconn Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “artificial intelligence” (AI)? Share any initial thoughts or ideas you have, even if you’re not sure what it means. How do you think machines or computers can be “intelligent” or make decisions on their own? What do you imagine when you hear about machines that can think and learn like humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an…
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Intermediate

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World’s smallest bear steps into spotlight, raising concerns

2023年12月18日

Sunbear

©dailyrecord Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some different types of bears that can be found in your country? Which animals are considered endangered in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the habitat of endangered species. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or,…
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Intermediate

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Guinness World Records names Pepper X as the hottest chili pepper on Earth

2023年12月17日

Pepper X

©Jeffrey Collins/AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Guinness World Records? What specific record caught your attention? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The scientist conducted an extensive study to analyze the impact of climate change on the extensive coastal regions. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – refers to the relative amount of a substance within a mixture, solution, or compound The concentration of sugar in this syrup is quite high, making it ideal for sweetening desserts. trial /TRAHY-uhl/…
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Intermediate

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