Intermediate

Parisians embrace ‘puppy yoga’ trend as relaxation and joy unfold

Puppy yoga

©REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What strategies or methods do you use to relax and unwind after a stressful day or week? Can you think of any unique combinations of activities that could potentially enhance people’s relaxation or joy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. relief /ri-LEEF/ [noun] – a feeling of happiness that something unpleasant has not happened or has ended The rain brought a sense of relief to the farmers after a long period of drought. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such…
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Luxury jewelry designer prefers lab-grown gems and recycled metals over natural diamonds

jewelry

©REUTERS/Hannah McKay Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about diamonds and their sources? How important is sustainability to the products you buy or use daily? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRES-iv/ [adjective] – something that evokes admiration or respect because of its notable or remarkable quality The impressive architectural design of the skyscraper left all the visitors in awe. vast /vast/ [adjective] – extremely big The renowned author embarked on a literary journey across the vast expanse of themes and characters within her novel series. element /EL-uh-muhnt/ [noun] – a part…
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British teens embrace opportunities at urban school farm

SchoolFarm

©REUTERS/Phil Noble Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Aside from the fundamental subjects taught at school, what other areas of study or subjects would you be interested in exploring or learning about? Do you believe schools should prioritize incorporating practical experiences, like working on a school farm or participating in conservation projects, into their curriculum? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt/ [verb] – to recognize how good someone or something is and to value them or it She took a moment to appreciate the beautiful scenery around her. show off /SHOH-awf/…
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BTS members enlist in military service, fans await reunion

BTS

©REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about K-pop and its influence in the music industry? What do you know about mandatory military service in different countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – (of people or animals) to come together in a group The neighbors gather for barbecues. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling or idea by what you say or do or by how you look She expressed her gratitude sincerely. threat /thret/ [noun] – the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a…
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Vatican artisans revive masterpieces

Vatican

©REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most renowned museum in your country? What makes it particularly significant or unique in preserving cultural heritage or showcasing historical artifacts? Why do you think it’s important to preserve ancient or historical pieces in museums or galleries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ton /tuhn/ [noun] – a large amount or a considerable quantity of something The shipment contained a ton of books for the bookstore’s inventory. cause /kawz/ [verb] – to make something happen, especially something bad The heavy rain caused flooding in the streets…
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Californians swap beaches for ice baths in quest for love

Icebath

©REUTERS/Mike Blake Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What ways do people nowadays come together or connect to initiate relationships or build connections? How important do you believe the initial meeting or encounter is when forming a new connection or relationship? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. waterproof /WAW-ter-proof/ [adjective] – not allowing water to go through The jacket is waterproof, so you won’t get wet in the rain. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme temperature made it difficult to go outside during the heatwave. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [noun] – the quality…
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India faces impending sugar shortage amidst weak rainfall

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What particular crops or agricultural products are your region or country known for producing? What are some common challenges or problems that farmers encounter during the cultivation of crops in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The company recorded substantial growth in its revenue last quarter. import /im-PAWRT/ [verb] – to buy or bring in products from another country The company decided to import raw materials from overseas to reduce production costs. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important…
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EU’s Deforestation Law disrupts coffee industry

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is the production and supply of coffee to your country’s economy or agricultural sector? What particular regions or areas are known for cultivating or growing coffee in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change The decision to alter the schedule affected everyone’s plans for the day. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The research study linked excessive sugar consumption to…
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Iceland on high alert as volcano erupts near Grindavik

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “volcanic eruption”? How do you think volcanic eruptions can impact the surrounding areas and communities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lagoon /luh-GOON/ [noun] – a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by sandbars or coral reefs The tourists enjoyed swimming in the clear, warm waters of the lagoon. movement /MOOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act, process, or result of moving or being moved The slow movement of the glacier fascinated the onlookers. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to…
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Rare snow blankets southern China amidst freezing northern temperatures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you imagine a place that rarely sees snow suddenly being covered in a blanket of snow? How do you think the daily routines and activities of people in a region unaccustomed to snow might be impacted by the occurrence of rare snowfall? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. failure /FEYL-yer / [noun] – the fact of someone or something not succeeding The student felt a deep sense of failure when she couldn’t solve the math problem. expectation /ek-spek-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling that…
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