Intermediate

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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GSK’s Arexvy vaccine shows promise for a broader age group in the RSV battle

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©Leon Neal/Getty Images/FILE Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a vaccine is, and how do you think it works? Why might vaccines be important in healthcare? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medical /MED-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to the treatment of illness and injuries Doctors and nurses provide medical care to people when they are sick or injured. availability /uh-vey-luh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the fact that something can be bought, used, or reached, or how much it can be The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables depends on the season and the local market….
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A miniature whale fossil discovery sheds light on ancient seas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is paleontology? What do you think is the importance of studying ancient marine creatures, such as fossilized whales? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem The new experimental treatment represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against a disease that has long eluded effective therapies. astonish /uh-STON-ish/ [verb] – very surprised The unexpected discovery of the rare artifact astonished archaeologists, leaving them in awe of its pristine condition and…
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Study finds red meat consumption increases type 2 diabetes risk

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about red meat and its place in the diet? In your opinion, what are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of including red meat in one’s diet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The extensive library housed books on a wide range of topics, from history to science fiction. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret The detective was hesitant…
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Tech giants Nvidia and Foxconn join forces for AI and autonomous tech evolution

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©Foxconn Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “artificial intelligence” (AI)? Share any initial thoughts or ideas you have, even if you’re not sure what it means. How do you think machines or computers can be “intelligent” or make decisions on their own? What do you imagine when you hear about machines that can think and learn like humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an…
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World’s smallest bear steps into spotlight, raising concerns

Sunbear

©dailyrecord Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some different types of bears that can be found in your country? Which animals are considered endangered in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the habitat of endangered species. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or,…
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Guinness World Records names Pepper X as the hottest chili pepper on Earth

Pepper X

©Jeffrey Collins/AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Guinness World Records? What specific record caught your attention? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The scientist conducted an extensive study to analyze the impact of climate change on the extensive coastal regions. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – refers to the relative amount of a substance within a mixture, solution, or compound The concentration of sugar in this syrup is quite high, making it ideal for sweetening desserts. trial /TRAHY-uhl/…
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Webb telescope reveals hidden secrets of the Ring Nebula

Ring nebula

©ESA/Webb/NASA/CSA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a nebula is? Why do you think scientists and astronomers are interested in studying celestial objects like the Ring Nebula? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The main feature of the smartphone is its high-quality camera. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of, involved with, relating to, or made by using chemicals or chemistry The chemical reaction in the lab resulted in a colorful explosion. element /EL-uh-muhnt / [noun] – a part of something Hydrogen…
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AI.com shifts focus from ChatGPT to Elon Musk’s X.AI

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Elon Musk? How do you find ChatGPT useful in your interactions or tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acquiring /uh-KWAI-uh-ruhng/ [gerund] – represents the action of obtaining or gaining something Her acquisition of new skills helped her secure a better job. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of democracy emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in decision-making. motive /MOH-tiv/ [noun] – a reason for doing something The detective was determined to uncover the suspect’s motive behind the crime. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective]…
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Canadian Rockies reveal ancient jellyfish species

Jellyfish

©Christian-McCall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe jellyfish and their distinctive features? Are you interested in seeing fossils of ancient marine creatures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other Conservation efforts are focused on protecting endangered species from extinction. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn/ [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The Galápagos Islands played a significant role in…
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