Intermediate

Why is vinegar so effective at cleaning?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think vinegar is an effective cleaner? How would you describe the smell of vinegar when used for cleaning? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chore /chawr/ [noun] – a job or piece of work that is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done regularly I don’t enjoy doing my laundry because it feels like such a chore; it takes a lot of time and effort to sort, wash, and fold all my clothes. dissolve /dih-ZOLV/ [verb] – (of a solid) to be absorbed by a liquid, especially…
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How climate change threatens ski resort shutdowns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of activities can you do at a ski resort? What is your favorite thing about skiing at a resort? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. melt /melt/ [verb] – to turn from something solid into something soft or liquid, or to cause something to do this After leaving the ice cream in the sun for too long, it began to melt and turned into a sticky mess. long term /LAWNG-turm/ [noun] – happening, existing, or continuing for many years or far into the future Regular exercise is important for…
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The university that changed the world was Nalanda

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What subjects do you enjoy learning about the most? Do you think it’s important to continue learning throughout your life, even after you finish school? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – A residential building is one in which people live My aunt lives in a residential neighborhood where the houses are all very close together, and they all have small yards. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to continue to exist for a long time The Great Pyramids of Egypt have endured for over 4,500…
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The natural “medication for the soul” of Greenland

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite outdoor activity to do in nature? Could you tell me about it? Do you enjoy going for walks or hikes in the forest? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remedy /REM-i-dee / [noun] – a successful way of curing an illness or dealing with a problem or difficulty When I have a headache, I usually take aspirin as a remedy to make the pain go away. boost /boost/ [verb] – to increase or improve something Drinking orange juice can help boost your immune…
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Iran: The surprising origins of the postal service

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever sent a letter or a postcard to someone? Could you tell me about it? Do you think postal services will become less important in the future with the rise of digital communication? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or cause of something The origin of the universe is a fascinating topic to explore in science class. institution /in-sti-TOO-shuhn/ [noun] – a custom or tradition that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a particular society…
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The increasing popularity of “Relaxed Minimalism”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How have you implemented minimalism in your home? Have you noticed any changes in your daily life because of it? Do you think a minimalist home can be cozy and welcoming, or does it tend to feel sterile and empty? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pace /peys/ [noun] – the speed at which somebody or something is moving When studying for an exam, it is important to set a comfortable pace for yourself so that you can absorb the material without feeling overwhelmed. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/ [noun] – the quality of…
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Can clothes ever be recycled completely?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you recycle your clothes? If so, how often do you do it? If not, why not? How can recycling clothes help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pollute /puh-LOOT/ [verb] – to make an area or substance, usually air, water, or soil, dirty or harmful to people, animals, and plants, especially by adding harmful chemicals Bicycling doesn’t pollute the air. make a difference /meyk uh DIF-er-uhns/ [idiom] – to improve a situation Careful planning and preparation make a difference. task /task/ [noun] – a piece of work to…
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Should you stay away from burned food?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever burned food while cooking? If so, what was it, and how did you handle the situation? Do you think burning food is a common problem? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shed light on (something) /shed lahyt on/ [idiom] – to help to explain a situation The professor’s presentation helped shed light on the topic and clarified some of the confusing aspects that we didn’t understand before. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving…
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Is our ability to smell being damaged by air pollution?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you noticed any changes in the air quality where you live over the past few years, and if so, how have they affected your community? What are some of the main causes of air pollution in your area, and how do they impact your daily life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. widely /WAHYD-lee / [adverb] – including a lot of different places, people, subjects, etc. The internet is widely used as a source of information for students. function /FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – the purpose of something or someone One of…
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The traditional drink that powers Indonesia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What’s your favorite natural drink, and why do you like it? What kind of natural drink would you recommend to someone who’s feeling stressed or tired? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. kingdom /KING-duhm/ [noun] – the territory ruled over by a king or queen In history class, we learned about the medieval kingdom of England and how it was ruled by kings and queens. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the start Initially, I thought I had lost my phone, but then I remembered that I had left it in my…
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