Intermediate

California schools bring back cursive writing for better learning

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. With the rise of technology, particularly computer keyboards and tablets, how has the learning experience in your country been influenced? Have you ever encountered cursive handwriting before, either in educational materials, documents, or other sources? If yes, how would you describe your impressions of cursive writing? If not, would you be interested in learning cursive, and why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a…
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Cave bones redefine early Homo sapiens history in Europe

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©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the early history of human beings? Where do you imagine these early humans lived, and what challenges do you think they faced in their environments? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. belief /bih-LEEF/ [noun] – a conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists The community held a strong belief in the power of unity. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to adjust or change in response to new conditions or circumstances The plants had to adapt to the arid environment by developing…
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Explorer claims breakthrough in Amelia Earhart in Pacific

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe Amelia Earhart, considering her achievement as the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean? Do you believe you could become a female aviator? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – a planned and organized effort or undertaking with a specific purpose The team embarked on a mission to provide aid to the disaster-stricken region, delivering essential supplies and medical assistance. aircraft /AIR-kraft/ [noun] – any vehicle, with or without an engine, that can fly, such as a…
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Groundbreaking gene therapy restores hearing in children with rare genetic deafness

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of any common causes or factors that contribute to hearing loss in children? Why do you think research in the field of hearing conditions is important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treatment /TREET-muhnt/ [noun] – the manner in which a disease or condition is handled or managed The doctor recommended a new treatment plan for the patient’s ear infection. therapy /THER-uh-pee / [noun] – treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder After the accident, the child underwent physical therapy. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form…
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Renowned artist Yoko Ono awarded prestigious Edward MacDowell Medal

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©AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who are some music artists you admire and why? What do you think makes a music artist successful? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. praise /preyz/ [verb] – to express approval or admiration for someone or something The teacher praised the students for their hard work in completing the project on time. expression /ik-SPRESH-uhn / [noun] – the process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings His art was a powerful expression of his inner turmoil and struggles conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – following traditional standards or accepted…
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Apple embraces shift in EU app landscape, introducing revised policies and fees

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe the impact of Apple’s products and innovations on the tech industry? What sets Apple apart from other technology companies in terms of design and user experience? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – an answer or reaction Her immediate response to the question showcased her knowledge and confidence in the subject. adjustment /uh-JUHST-muhnt/ [noun] – a small change After analyzing market trends, the company decided to make strategic adjustments to its product offerings to stay competitive. payment /PEY-muhnt / [noun] – an amount of…
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NASA postpones astronaut moon landing to 2026 citing challenges with spacecraft

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it takes to become an astronaut? Can you share any specific space exploration missions or developments that have captured your attention, and what about them has intrigued you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. additional /uh-DISH-uh-nl / [adjective] – extra The team made additional efforts to ensure the project’s success. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone The team decided to tackle the challenges head-on, addressing them with determination and strategic planning. actual /AK-choo-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in fact The actual…
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Hot weather accelerates turtle hatching in the Peruvian Amazon

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©REUTERS/Alfredo Galarza Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role do you think turtles play in their ecosystems, and why might their preservation be important? What is deforestation, and how do you think it could impact conservation efforts in rainforests? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. passionate /PASH-uh-nit/ [adjective] – showing strong emotions or intense devotion The passionate artist poured her heart into every brushstroke, creating a masterpiece. threaten /THRET-n/ [verb] – to express an intention to harm or cause damage; to pose a danger or risk to someone or something The endangered species was threatened by…
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Hidden Emperor Penguin colonies discovered in Antarctic

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where do you think penguins usually live, and how have they adapted to their habitats? Have you heard or read anything about penguins facing challenges or changes in their environment? Why do you think it’s important to study and understand the habits and movements of penguins? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – a significant development or discovery that represents a step forward The scientist’s groundbreaking research on renewable energy was considered a major breakthrough in the field. satellite /SAT-l-ahyt / [noun] – an artificial body placed in…
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Netflix breaks records in Q4 with hits like ‘The Crown’ and ‘The Killer’

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What streaming platforms do you find most commonly used or preferred by people you know, and why? Do you usually watch content on streaming platforms like Netflix, or do you prefer traditional television? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mark /mahrk/ [verb] – to signify, indicate, or represent a particular point or event The groundbreaking research marked a turning point in the field of medicine. analyst /AN-l-ist/ [noun] – someone whose job is to study or examine something in detail, in order to discover or understand more about it and…
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