Intermediate

Australia poised to build world’s tallest wooden tower

buildings-1850129_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited or seen a tall tower in person? If so, where was it, and what do you remember about it? Can you think of any famous towers from around the world? What do you know about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tower /TOU-er/ [noun] – a tall, narrow structure that often stands alone and is used for various purposes, such as observation, communication, or housing The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/ [adjective] – having a…
Read more

Indian authorities contain Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala

virus-4835301_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about ‘viruses’? Can you think of any historical examples where viruses have significantly impacted human populations or ecosystems? 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 national park boasts extensive forests, rivers, and hiking trails for visitors to explore. calmly /KAHM-lee/ [adverb] – in a peaceful, quiet way and without worry or extreme emotion Despite the chaos around them, she handled the situation calmly and with grace. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – any feeling…
Read more

Peculiar parasitic worms found to lack genes common in other organisms

lab-g64ea2821d_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a parasite? Which organisms do you know are parasitic in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. infect /in-FEKT/ [verb] – to pass a disease to a person, animal, or plant The contagious disease began to infect people in neighboring villages. possess /puh-ZES/ [verb] – to have or own something, or to have a particular quality The old house possesses a certain charm and character. gene /jeen/ [noun] – a part of the DNA in a cell that controls the physical development, behaviour, etc. of an individual plant or…
Read more

Microsoft offers free cybersecurity tools amid rising threats

cyber-g68fd07eb3_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a cyberattack? How do you protect yourself from cyberattacks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. posture /POS-cher / [noun] – a way in which a government or other organization thinks about and/or deals with a particular matter The school’s posture on student well-being included providing mental health support services. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The construction project had a negative impact on the local wildlife and ecosystem. boundary /BOUN-duh-ree/ [noun] – a real or imagined line…
Read more

Kenyan skincare brand ‘Uncover’ revolutionizes UK beauty market

woman-3096664_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about skincare products? Are there any specific brands or types of products you are familiar with? Do you think it’s important for skincare products to include ingredients from specific regions or cultures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. brand /brand/ [noun] – A specific name or symbol that distinguishes a company’s products from others. Coca-Cola is a well-known brand of soft drinks. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – to happen or take place The accident occurred on the highway last night. conscious…
Read more

Record global heat in September sets alarming precedent

extreme heat

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is meant by “extremely hot weather”? How do you think it can impact people and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme heat during the summer made it challenging to spend time outdoors. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The young artist’s talent was truly remarkable; her paintings captured the essence of nature with extraordinary detail and beauty. deadly /DED-lee/ [adjective] – likely to cause death Venomous…
Read more

Study advances genetic engineering of pig organs

scissors-3031502_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about organ transplants? What animal do you think shares similarities with humans, particularly in terms of organ transplantation and medical research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test to discover how safe, effective, etc. a product is After extensive laboratory testing, the new vaccine is now ready for its first human trial to assess its safety and effectiveness. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a…
Read more

New research confirms ancient human footprints in New Mexico dating back 21,000–23,000 years

footprints-1189780_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you think about ancient human footprints, what thoughts or questions come to mind? What do you imagine these footprints might reveal about the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. presence /PREZ-uhns/ [noun] – the fact that someone or something is in a place His calming presence in the room made everyone feel at ease during the meeting. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun] – serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part The debate on the new school policy went on for hours, with parents, teachers, and students expressing…
Read more

Abu Dhabi to introduce thrilling white-water rafting in Al Ain

rafting-gb6b642f37_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is white-water rafting? What other extreme sports do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thrill /thril/ [noun] – a feeling of extreme excitement, usually caused by something pleasant Skydiving offers an adrenaline-pumping thrill as you freefall through the air before opening the parachute. paradise /PAR-uh-dahys/ [noun] – a place or condition of great happiness where everything is exactly as you would like it to be The lush green valleys and majestic mountains of the countryside make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. authentic /aw-THEN-tik/ [adjective] – If…
Read more

Spacecraft set to explore Apophis, an asteroid named after the Egyptian god of chaos and darkness

asteroid-1477065_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word asteroid? What do you think asteroids are made of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt / [verb] – to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The detective was called to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the valuable painting from the art gallery. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order After the earthquake, the city was in chaos with buildings collapsed and roads blocked. darkness /DAHRK-nis/ [noun] – the quality…
Read more