Intermediate

Archaeologists discover Buddha Statue Torso at Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia

Brix-News (4)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a discovery that you have heard of recently? What do archaeologists look for when they make discoveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUKHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding something new or the thing that was found Scientists made a discovery about a new type of plant. temple /TEM-puhl/ [noun] – a building used for religious ceremonies or worship The ancient temple was built thousands of years ago. fragment /FRAG-muhnt/ [noun] – a small part or piece of something that is broken I found a fragment of…
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Arctic sea ice hits record low winter peak, raising climate concerns

arctic

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the Arctic looks like? What changes in the weather have you noticed in your town or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. growth /grohth/ [noun] – the process of increasing in size, number, or importance The city’s rapid growth has led to traffic problems and housing shortages. global /GLOH-buhl/ [adjective] – relating to the whole world The global economy was affected by the rise in oil prices. melt /melt/ [verb] – to become liquid because of heat The snow on the mountains melts quickly in the…
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Vietnam’s traditional fish sauce industry faces climate and market challenges

fish sauce

©(AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think old traditions are important to keep? Why or why not? How would you feel if your favorite food became hard to make or find? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. staple /STEY-puhl/ [noun] – a basic or important item that is regularly used or produced Rice is a staple in many Asian households, often eaten with every meal. craft /kraft/ [noun] – a skill in making things by hand, often traditional or artistic The village is known for its craft of weaving colorful baskets from…
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Wasp traps prey with spiny abdomen in amber-aged fossil find

wasp

©(Qiong Wu via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could discover an ancient creature, what kind of animal would you like to find? Do you like learning about ancient animals? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parasitic /par-uh-SIT-ik/ [adjective] – living in or on another animal or plant and getting food from it, often harming it The parasitic plant wrapped itself around the tree and slowly weakened it. wasp /wosp/ [noun] – a flying insect with a narrow waist and a sting, often yellow and black in color A wasp…
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Ancient marble statue discovered in garbage bag near Thessaloniki, Greece

Brix-News (3)

©Greek Police via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an archaeological discovery? Why is it important to preserve objects from the past? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – involving or relating to archaeology Archaeological sites are often found in ancient cities. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something The teacher will assess your homework tomorrow. renowned /ri-NOUND/ [adjective] – famous or well-known for a particular quality or achievement She is renowned for her talent in painting. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a custom…
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Advanced technology revives ancient artifacts at Beijing’s Palace Museum

relics

©(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like learning about history? Why or why not? What do you imagine life was like for people who lived in a palace long ago? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artifact /AHR-tuh-fakt/ [noun] – an object, such as a tool, that was made in the past The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt, including tools and jewelry. craftsmanship /KRAFTS-muhn-ship/ [noun] – skill in making things by hand The necklace was admired for its fine craftsmanship and delicate design. ceramic /suh-RAM-ik/ [noun] – an object made…
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NIH finds processed foods drive overeating

processed

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite snack? Why do you like it? What do you think makes some foods hard to stop eating? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ultraprocessed /UHL-truh PRAH-sest/ [adjective] – (of food) that has been heavily changed from its original form using industrial methods and additives Ultraprocessed snacks like packaged cakes and cookies are often cheaper than fresh foods. fat /fat/ [noun] – a natural oily or greasy substance found in animal bodies and some plant products, often used for energy or cooking This cooking oil has less fat…
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Surge in crocodile attacks in West Sulawesi raises alarm, experts seek solutions

Brix-News (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What should you do if an animal attacks you? Why might animals attack humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or large enough to have an effect The significant increase in attacks worried the local community. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden large increase or rise There was a surge in crocodile attacks last year. link /lingk/ [verb] – to connect or relate things together The rise in air pollution has been linked to an increase in respiratory illnesses in the city. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Experimental treatment shows promise in delaying Alzheimer’s symptoms

Alzheimer

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “Alzheimer’s”? What kinds of things do you think scientists study to help people stay healthy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. plaque /plak/ [noun] – a harmful deposit or buildup, often in the body (e.g., in blood vessels or the brain) Doctors discovered plaques in her arteries that were affecting her blood flow. extended /ik-STEN-did/ [adjective] – longer than usual; continued for a longer time She took an extended vacation to relax after months of hard work. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to…
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Ancient griffin head returns to Greece after decades

Griffin

©(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could see an ancient artifact from any time in history, what would you choose and why? Why do you think museums sometimes display items from other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artifact /AHR-tuh-fakt/ [noun] – an object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest The museum proudly displayed an artifact from an ancient civilization that had recently been discovered. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the quality or state of being physically strong or having great power Her strength and determination helped…
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