Intermediate

Android app spies on tens of thousands of phones

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear ‘stalkerware app’? What safety concerns do you have about your smartphone? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to The teacher emphasized the importance of studying regularly to succeed in the upcoming exams. icon /AHY-kon/ [noun] – small graphical representation or symbol that typically represents an application on a device’s user interface The envelope icon represents the email application, and when clicked, it opens the user’s mailbox. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective]…
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New ‘private jet’-style airline to launch flights to Maldives

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©supercarblondie Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like traveling by plane? Why or why not? Which airline do you consider the best in your country, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. voyage /VOI-ij / [noun] – a long journey, especially by ship The cruise ship offered a luxurious voyage to exotic destinations, providing passengers with an unforgettable travel experience. competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/ [adjective] – competitive prices, services, etc. are as good as or better than other prices, services, etc. In a highly competitive market, the new tech startup offered competitive prices on their innovative…
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Scientists issue urgent warning on impending AMOC collapse and climate crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are greenhouse gas emissions? What are some current environmental issues that your country is experiencing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Proper communication is crucial for effective teamwork and project success. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The power outage disrupted the entire neighborhood’s electricity supply, causing inconvenience to residents. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of the greatest importance to the way things might happen The scientist emphasized the…
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New study suggests ‘Healthy eating’ nutrition curriculum may do more harm than good

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your understanding of the term “traditional nutrition curriculum”? What do you think a traditional nutrition curriculum might include? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. analysis /uh-NAL-uh-sis/ [noun] – the act of studying or examining something in detail in order to discover or understand more about it, or your opinion and judgment after doing this The thorough analysis of the financial report revealed a positive trend in the company’s profits over the last quarter. discourage /dih-SKUR-ij/ [verb] – to make someone feel less confident, enthusiastic, and positive about something, or…
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2023 Women’s World Cup breaks new ground

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the popular women’s sports in your country? What upcoming sports events are you excited about? 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 a new species in the rainforest was significant to scientists studying biodiversity. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to be a sign or symbol of something The color green is commonly used to represent nature and growth. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The security measures in place ensure the safety of the building and its…
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Bolder brown bears roam freely in Sapporo’s urban areas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you seen bears in person? Can you share any distinctive features or characteristics that come to mind? Where specifically in your country can you encounter wildlife? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steady /STED-ee/ [adjective] – gradual and consistent, without significant fluctuations or sudden changes Her steady dedication to her studies paid off, as she consistently achieved high grades throughout the semester. link /lingk/ [verb] – to connect or join one thing to another The scientists found that the rise in sea temperatures was linked to the decline in the…
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Taj Mahal submerges in floodwaters

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What famous heritage sites does your country have? What environmental crisis is your country currently experiencing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – extremely serious or dangerous The critical situation in the war-torn region requires immediate humanitarian aid and intervention. threat /thret/ [noun] – the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a person or thing that is likely to cause something unwanted to happen The unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change pose a significant threat to agriculture and food security. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result…
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Naples rocked by second quake, volcano fears rise

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might happen to buildings and the ground during an earthquake? How do you think people should prepare for such situations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing great damage The earthquake shook the buildings and frightened the people in the city. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack She suffered an injury while playing soccer and had to go to the hospital for…
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Video captures a plane incident during a gender reveal party in Mexico

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think “gender reveal” means based on the term itself? Can you think of any traditional or common ways that people might announce the gender of a new baby to their friends and family? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gender /JEN-der / [noun] – a group of people in a society who share particular qualities or ways of behaving that society associates with being male, female, or another identity In our progressive society, we aim to break down stereotypes and promote gender equality, allowing everyone to express themselves…
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Snake season starts early as unusually high temperatures hit Australia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about snakes? Are there any cultural or mythological beliefs related to snakes in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – saying that someone or something is bad or wrong His critical review of the restaurant’s food and service left no room for doubt about his dissatisfaction. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear by coming out of something or out from behind something After hours of searching, the elusive butterfly finally emerged from behind the bushes, delighting the…
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