Intermediate

Young chess genius from India sets to face world champion Magnus Carlsen

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever played chess before? What do you know about the rules of chess? Who are the famous chess players from your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eagerly /EE-ger-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that shows that you want to do or have something very much, especially something interesting or enjoyable The children eagerly opened their presents on Christmas morning. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a person or thing that attracts a lot of attention, excitement, or interest due to their extraordinary abilities, achievements, or qualities The young artist’s…
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FDA proposes ban on additive in popular drinks

Soda

©HealthCastle.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular citrus fruits that are commonly used to flavor beverages? Can you name any well-known citrus-flavored beverages that you’ve tried or heard of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening The government issued a ban on smoking in public places to protect people from secondhand smoke. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something The school prohibits students from using their phones during class to maintain a focused learning environment. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] –…
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Massive wildfire prompts evacuations on Spain’s Tenerife Island

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is a wildfire? Which additional countries do you believe also face wildfires? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/ [noun] – the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality The local community came together to support one another during the aftermath of the devastating wildfire. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – the moral or legal right or ability to control The city’s transportation authority announced plans to improve public transit infrastructure. assist…
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Microsoft utilizes AI to revolutionize software tools with introduction of “Microsoft 365 Copilot” and “Microsoft Editor”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever used any AI-powered tools or software in your daily life? If so, which ones? How do you think AI tools can enhance productivity and efficiency in various tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tool /tool/ [noun] – a device or implement used to carry out a particular function or task In today’s digital age, a computer is an essential tool for many jobs. summarization /suhm-uh-rahy-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of making a summary or concise version of something, often a text or conversation His summarization of the…
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Apple unveils game-changing M3 chip

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common uses for computer chips in technology? Have you heard of the M3 chip before? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl / [adjective] – something that is remarkable is extraordinary or worthy of attention because it is impressive or exceptional The student’s performance in the science competition was remarkable; she won first place with her innovative project. extended /ik-STEN-did/ [adjective] – extended means prolonged or elongated, often referring to something that lasts for a longer period than usual Due to…
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Norwegian blue cheese takes top honors worldwide

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or associations do you have when it comes to different types of cheese? In what ways or on what occasions do you typically consume cheese? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victory /VIK-tuh-ree/ [noun] – an occasion when you win a game, competition, election, war, etc. or the fact that you have won Her victory in the marathon was a testament to her months of rigorous training. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to During the presentation, the speaker emphasized…
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FDA proposes banning menthol in cigarettes and flavored cigars

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about cigars and cigarettes, and how would you differentiate between the two? Can you recall any specific details about the health risks associated with smoking cigars or cigarettes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The significant increase in renewable energy production marked a pivotal milestone in the country’s efforts to combat climate change. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something The school board decided to prohibit the use of cell phones during class hours to enhance…
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Study links reflux medications to higher dementia risk

Acid reflux

©Science Photo Library RF/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is dementia? What do you understand about the terms ‘acid reflux’ or ‘heartburn’? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening The decision to climb the mountain involved a significant element of risk due to the challenging conditions. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate. significantly /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is easy to see or by a large amount The…
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Prodigious 19-year-old pianist Yunchan Lim inks exclusive deal with Decca Records UK

pianist

©JAMES HOLE Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous classical pianists or musicians you’re familiar with? What do you think it takes to become a successful pianist in the music industry? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – limited to a particular person, group, or entity; not shared with others The club had an exclusive membership, allowing only a select few to join. academy /uh-KAD-uh-mee/ [noun] – an organization or institution for a particular subject or art, often for education, training, or study She attended an academy of fine arts…
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Study expands understanding of Neanderthal DNA in Eurasian populations

Neandertal

©JOE MCNALLY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the people who lived in ancient times, similar to early humans? What do you know about DNA and its significance in genetic research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The documentary will feature interviews with leading experts in the field, providing valuable insights into the topic at hand. interact /in-ter-AKT/ [verb] – to communicate or engage with someone or something During the workshop, participants…
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