Intermediate

Abu Dhabi announces plans for second Sphere entertainment venue, following Las Vegas success

spear

©(AP Photo/Nick Didlick, File) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of buildings are most commonly found in tourist areas? What features make these buildings appealing to visitors? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. announce /uh-NOUNS/ [verb] – to make something known publicly or officially, especially a plan or decision The company will announce the new product launch next week at the conference. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of building or assembling something, such as a building, road, or machine The construction of the new bridge will be completed by the end of the year….
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Scientists discover lunar cave near Apollo 11 landing site

Cris

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What might a cave on the moon look like? Why are scientists interested in studying caves on the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. utilize /YOOT-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to use something in an effective way The teacher utilized visual aids to help students understand complex topics. measure /MEZH-er/ [verb] – to discover the exact size, amount, or degree of something Engineers measure the strength of the bridge to ensure its safety. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – used to say something may develop into something in the future This new policy could…
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Research reveals extinction of 610 bird species and its causes

Birds

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you feel if a local bird you enjoy watching disappeared forever? What are some human activities that might lead to the extinction of animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flightless /FLAHYT-lis/ [adjective] – not able to fly The ostrich is a flightless bird that can run very fast. ecologist /ih-KOL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a person who studies the natural relationships between the air, land, water, animals, plants, etc. The ecologist spent years researching the impact of pollution on marine life. rely on /ri-LAHY on/ [phrasal verb] – to depend…
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Hurricane Helene devastates Tampa, Florida

BRIX IIMG (4)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you describe how hurricanes are different from other types of storms? How do people prepare for the possible dangers before a hurricane hits? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. hurricane /HUR-i-keyn/ [noun] – a violent windstorm, especially one with a circular motion, occurring over warm tropical oceans The hurricane destroyed many houses along the coast last summer. evacuate /ih-VAK-yoo-eyt/ [verb] – to remove someone from a dangerous place to a safe one The school decided to evacuate students when the fire alarm rang. shelter /SHEL-ter/ [noun] – a structure that…
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NASA set to launch $5.2 billion Europa Clipper to investigate Jupiter’s moon for life-supporting conditions

BRIX IIMG (5)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the purpose of a moon in space? Can you think of any specific ways that Earth’s moon affects our planet? Can you name some planets that have moons? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. scheduled /SKEH-joold/ [adjective] – arranged for a particular time The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday at 10 AM. instrument /IN-struh-muhnt/ [noun] – a tool or device used for a specific purpose, especially in science or music The doctor used a special instrument to check my heartbeat. protect /pruh-TEKT/ [verb] – to keep someone or…
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South Korea celebrates Han Kang’s historic Nobel Prize victory

Novel Prize

©REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What genre of books do you enjoy reading the most? Why? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? What do you think are the benefits of each? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. novelist /NOV-uh-list / [noun] – a person who writes novels The novelist spent years developing the characters for her new book. stock /stok/ [noun] – the goods or merchandise available for sale The store needs to reorder its stock of winter clothing. pride /prahyd/ [noun] – a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you get because you…
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SpaceX marks breakthrough as Starship booster is captured by mechanical arms in landmark test flight

rocket3

©Anadolu via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the purpose of a rocket test flight? What safety measures do you think are important during a rocket test flight? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flight /flahyt/ [noun] – the act of flying; a journey made by flying The flight to Tokyo takes about twelve hours. procedure /pruh-SEE-jer/ [noun] – a set of actions that are done in a certain way The procedure for making the cake is simple and quick. improved /uhm-PROOVD/ [adjective] – made better or enhanced She has an improved score…
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Unprecedented rainfall transforms Sahara Desert

BRIX IIMG (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens to a desert landscape when it rains? Why is rain considered a significant event in deserts? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/ [noun] – a fact or event that can be observed, especially something unusual or difficult to understand The Northern Lights are a beautiful phenomenon that many people travel to see. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – a small amount of liquid, often water, that is present in the air or on a surface Plants need some moisture to grow healthy and strong. devastation /dev-uh-STEY-shuhn/ [noun] – severe…
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Cambodian fisherman turns to eel farming amid declining fish stocks in Tonle Sap

BRIX IIMG (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever eaten eel? What dishes do you think include eel as an ingredient? What environmental conditions do you think are necessary for successful eel farming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fisherman /FISH-er-muhn/ [noun] – a person who catches fish for a living or as a hobby The fisherman woke up early to catch fresh fish for his family. income /IN-kuhm/ [noun] – money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments Her income allows her to buy new clothes and save for vacations. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/…
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New research reveals humanity may have hit the limit of life expectancy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “life expectancy” mean? Do you think living longer is always a good thing? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] – the forward movement of something, or an improvement or development in something The latest advances in technology have made communication much faster. slow down /sloh doun/ [phrasal verb] – to reduce speed or become less active The overall reduction in pollution has slowed down. point out /point out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or highlight something important She pointed out a mistake…
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