Intermediate

Fossil in New Mexico suggests a new kind of Tyrannosaurus rex

2024年1月30日

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©U.S. Sergei Krasinski/Handout via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images or ideas come to your mind when you hear the term Tyrannosaurus rex? What do you expect to discover about this dinosaur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn / [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The evolution of smartphones has transformed communication in the modern era. selection /si-LEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of choosing someone or something The selection of a candidate for the job involved a thorough interview process. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Tokyo remembers earthquake from 100 years ago, urges preparedness

2024年1月29日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of ‘earthquake’? What are the potential consequences of a major earthquake? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee/ [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering The earthquake was a great tragedy, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to cause the death of or take the lives of a significant number of people The deadly virus claimed the lives of thousands across the country. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in…
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Intermediate

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Paleontologists uncover evidence of meat-eating dinosaurs

2024年1月28日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of examples of animals that are considered predators? What about prey? Can you provide examples of adaptations that predators and prey might have developed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances The cheetah’s speed is crucial for its survival in the wild. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – very large in scale, amount, or degree The elephant’s massive size is a key feature that helps it intimidate potential predators. contrary /KON-trer-ee/ [adjective]…
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Intermediate

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Nepal implements a TikTok ban due to social concerns

2024年1月27日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which smartphone applications do people in your country typically use? How concerned are you about cybersecurity and privacy issues related to using social media platforms or applications? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of antibiotics was a significant advancement in the field of medicine. harmony /HAHR-muh-nee/ [noun] – a situation in which people are peaceful and agree with each other, or when things seem right or suitable together The concert was a beautiful display of musical harmony, as each instrument blended seamlessly…
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Intermediate

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John Oliver’s beloved avian icon seizes glory as New Zealand’s ‘Bird of the Century’

2024年1月26日

BIRD

©Peter Foulds/Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear the term ‘Bird of the Century,’ what ideas or images come to mind? What qualities do you think a bird must possess to be given such a title? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. comedian /kuh-MEE-dee-uhn / [noun] – a person whose job is to make people laugh by telling jokes and funny stories or by copying the behavior or speech of famous people The comedian had everyone in stitches with his jokes and funny stories at the comedy…
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Intermediate

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Unprecedented heatwave ravages Brazil

2024年1月25日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a “heatwave,” and how does it differ from regular warm weather? Can you recall any personal experiences or news stories related to heatwaves? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. scorching /SKAWR-ching/ [adjective] – hot or burning The scorching sun made the pavement too hot to walk on barefoot. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to emphasize or draw attention to something The speaker used graphs and charts to highlight the key points of the presentation. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having great extent The national park had an…
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Intermediate

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NHS England aims to end cervical cancer by 2040

2024年1月24日

Cervical Vaccine

©GETTY IMAGES Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge or information do you have about ‘cancer’? Can you mention any risk factors or common causes associated with cancer that you’re aware of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – an event to celebrate or introduce something new The company will launch its innovative product next month at the trade show. worldwide /wurld-WAHYD/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts of the world The company’s product launch received widespread attention and was marketed and distributed worldwide, reaching consumers in over 100 countries. overcome…
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Intermediate

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New Delhi struggles with severe air pollution crisis

2024年1月23日

Smog India

©Arun Thakur / AFP – Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the most significant impacts or consequences of air pollution on the environment and human health? Can you describe some sources or factors contributing to air pollution that you are aware of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis / [noun] – an extremely difficult or dangerous point in a situation The pandemic created a crisis, disrupting normal life worldwide. 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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Disney’s Zootopia delights visitors in its Shanghai debut

2024年1月22日

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©REUTERS/Nicoco Chan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the main characters in Zootopia might be like? What kind of adventures or challenges do you think the characters could face? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to symbolize or stand for something The national flag represents the unity and identity of our country. magical /MAJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – having qualities of magic; enchanting, extraordinary, or producing a sense of wonder The garden was filled with magical flowers that glowed in the moonlight. domestic /duh-MES-tik/ [adjective] – relating to a person’s own…
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Intermediate

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Kenya declares National Tree Planting Day on November 13 to grow 15 billion trees by 2032

2024年1月21日

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©Arterra/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about trees, and why are they important? Have you ever planted a tree or seen someone planting a tree? If yes, can you share your experience? If not, what do you think might be involved in planting a tree? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular…
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Intermediate

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