Intermediate

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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Netflix to double down on South Korea with $2.5B investment

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you stream movies and other shows through Netflix? What are your favorite shows? Are you familiar with K-dramas and other Korean shows? Do you enjoy watching them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/ [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something, or the fact of promising something The president’s commitment to reducing crime rates in the city has led to the implementation of several new policies and programs. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Access to clean water is crucial for the survival of…
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Study links frequent fried food consumption to higher risk of anxiety and depression

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which fried foods do you enjoy the most? Do you have a healthy diet? Tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. associate /uh-SOH-shee-eyt/ [verb] – to think about something as being connected to something else The child has associated the sound of the doorbell with the arrival of the mailman. anxiety /ang-ZAHY-i-tee/ [noun] – an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening or might happen in the future She felt a knot in her stomach and a sense of anxiety as she waited…
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Unveiling the Roman Empire’s Hidden Treasure

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©Hans Georg Roth/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are archaeological sites, and why are they important? What are some of the most famous archaeological sites you know of in the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [noun] – the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this My parents’ advice has a great influence on my decisions, especially when it comes to important matters like choosing a career path. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen, especially an…
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Sneakers: From sports shoes to fashion statement

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the leading brands of sneakers, and what makes them stand out? What are some of the latest trends in sneaker culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. athletic /ath-LET-ik / [adjective] – relating to sports or physical exercise Lucas is a very athletic boy who loves to play soccer and run around the park with his friends. capture the heart of /KAP-cher thuh hahrt uhv/ [idiom] – to gain the love, affection, or admiration of someone Sofia’s beautiful singing voice and heartfelt lyrics helped her capture the…
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Meta to allow teens access VR app Horizon despite mental health concerns, faces backlash

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you tried using virtual apps? Tell me more about it. Do you think teenagers should be allowed to access virtual reality applications? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] – one part of a situation, problem, subject, etc. One important aspect of learning a new language is developing a good understanding of its grammar and sentence structure. measure /MEZH-er/ [noun] – a way of achieving something, or a method for dealing with a situation The government implemented measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing…
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Apple, Goldman Sachs launch high-yield savings account with 4.15% interest

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have any experience using your mobile phone to access your bank account? Tell me about it. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile devices to access your bank account? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch, lahnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product The company plans to launch its new product line next month, featuring innovative designs and advanced technology. balance /BAL-uhns/ [noun] – the amount of money you have in a…
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