Intermediate

NEWBrew introduces recycled beer as a solution to global water challenges

Newbeer

©(AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do people in your country save water? If you could invent something to help with water shortages, what would it be? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. showcase /SHOH-keys/ [verb] – to display or present something for others to see The company showcased its new product at the trade show. batch /bach/ [noun] – a group or collection of things or people considered together The bakery prepares fresh batches of bread every morning. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make certain that something will happen or be the…
Read more

Kite making in Gujarat benefits the economy but causes problems

Kite

©REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does sustainability mean to you? What is your favorite festival, and what do you do during this festival? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has been passed down through generations Lighting candles during the holidays is a cherished tradition. string /string/ [noun] – (a piece of) strong, thin rope made by twisting very thin threads together, used for fastening and tying things She tied the package with a piece of string. boost /boost/ [verb]…
Read more

Two critically endangered North Atlantic right whales entangled in fishing gear off Massachusetts coast

Copy of News Templates (22)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens to animals that are endangered? What might happen if an endangered species disappears? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – at risk of becoming extinct Some animals are endangered because their habitats are disappearing. collision /kuh-LIZH-uhn/ [noun] – an event where two things crash into each other There was a collision between two cars on the highway. reproduction /ree-pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process by which animals or plants produce offspring The reproduction of many animals happens in the spring. challenge /CHAL-inj/ [noun] – a difficult task…
Read more

Germany and France launch high-speed train service to strengthen EU ties and promote eco-friendly travel

Copy of News Templates (21)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about high-speed trains? What are the advantages of using trains compared to cars or airplanes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/ [adjective] – causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time The company uses sustainable materials to make their products. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or action to improve something or solve a problem The school started an initiative to plant trees in the playground. modernize /MOD-er-nahyz/ [verb] – to make something more modern…
Read more

Rio de Janeiro barber battle celebrates craftsmanship and creativity

©REUTERS/Aline Massuca Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What makes a competition fun to watch? What haircut is popular right now in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. neighborhood /NEY-ber-hood/ [noun] – a district or area within a city or town She moved to a quiet neighborhood near the park. outdated /out-DEY-tid/ [adjective] – old-fashioned and therefore not as good or as fashionable as something modern The technology used in the office is outdated and needs upgrading. standout /STAND-out / [adjective] – a person or thing that is exceptionally good or prominent She was the…
Read more

Neanderthal genes shape modern humans

©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What aspects of early human life interest you? How did early humans affect the environment, and how does this still impact us today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. biological /bahy-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to biology or living organisms The biological processes in plants are essential for photosynthesis. anthropological /an-thruh-puh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to anthropology, the study of humans, human behavior, and societies The anthropological research revealed insights into ancient civilizations. metabolism /muh-TAB-uh-liz-uhm/ [noun] – the chemical processes within a living organism that maintain life Changes in metabolism…
Read more

Junjun the playful bear cub captivates Shanghai zoo visitors

Junjun

©REUTERS/Casey Hall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a baby cub in person? What kind of cub was it, and how was it different from an older one? If you could design your own zoo, what animals would you include, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. charm /chahrm/ [noun] – the quality of being pleasing or attractive Her smile has a unique charm that makes everyone feel at ease. captivate /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to attract and hold the attention or interest of someone The magician’s performance captivated the entire audience. delight…
Read more

Louisiana’s $330 million initiative aims to revitalize Maurepas Swamp, protect wildlife, and coastal ecosystems

Copy of News Templates (20)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are swamps, and where are they usually found? Why are swamps important to the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. migratory /MAHY-gruh-tawr-ee/ [adjective] – moving from one place to another at different times of the year Many migratory birds fly south in the winter. ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to the relationships between living things and their environment Cutting down forests causes serious ecological problems. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – substances that plants, animals, and people need to grow and stay healthy Vegetables provide important nutrients for our bodies. rejuvenate…
Read more

Eric Vetro teaches singing techniques to celebrities and fans alike in new online course

Mic

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which genre of music or film do you enjoy most, and why? Who is your favorite singer or actor, and what do you like most about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coach /kohch/ [verb] – to train or teach someone in a particular skill or activity She coached the basketball team to victory. tone /tohn/ [noun] – the quality or character of the sound of someone’s voice when singing or speaking The singer worked tirelessly with her vocal coach to develop a warm and rich tone suitable for classical…
Read more

U.S. proposes federal protection for monarch butterflies amid declining populations

Copy of News Templates (18)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like butterflies? Why or why not? Have you heard about the decline in monarch butterfly populations? Why are their numbers going down? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – having a strong or great effect; striking or intense The play had a dramatic ending that surprised everyone. challenge /CHAL-inj/ [noun] – a difficult task or situation that requires effort Climbing the mountain was a real challenge for the team. proposed /pruh-POHZD/ [adjective] – suggested for consideration or approval The proposed park in the neighborhood would provide…
Read more