Intermediate

Unleash your adventurous spirit in a remote Scottish archipelago

scottish archipelago

©Nicola Colombo/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities or features make a destination qualify as a remote paradise? Why do remote paradises often evoke a sense of awe and wonder in people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The children stared at the distant mountain peaks, their colorful flags waving in the wind. breathtaking /BRETH-tey-king/ [adjective] – extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising As Sarah reached the top of the hill, she couldn’t believe her eyes—the view was absolutely breathtaking! tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way…
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AI transforms global waste management in response to crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is AI (artificial intelligence)? What capabilities or functions do you hope AI can offer you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – once every year The company organizes a team-building event annually to strengthen team dynamics. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The company made a significant investment in research and development. efficiency /ih-FISHuhn-see/ [noun] – the quality of achieving the largest amount of useful work using as little energy, fuel, effort, etc. as possible The new manufacturing process increased the efficiency of automobile production. contribute…
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Mysteries of a newly found ancient city

maya city

©ZRC SAZU Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might be the significance of discovering an ancient city? What types of information or artifacts do you expect to find in an ancient city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. civilization /siv-uh-luh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – human society with its well developed social organizations, or the culture and way of life of a society or country at a particular period in time The ancient Egyptians built magnificent pyramids as a symbol of their advanced civilization. structure /STRUHK-cher / [noun] – something that has been made or built…
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Meta’s Twitter rival ‘Threads’ gains massive popularity with ten million users

Meta's Threads app and Twitter logos are seen in this illustration  taken July 4, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

©PBS News Hour Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the recent developments in social media platforms and their competition? What are some of the key features or aspects that you look for in a social media platform? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appeal /uh-PEEL/ [verb] – to be interesting or attractive The colorful illustrations in the book appeal to young readers. dissatisfied /dis-SAT-is-fahyd/ [adjective] – not pleased with something; feeling that something is not as good as it should be Many customers were dissatisfied with the quality of the product and…
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Unveiling the rediscovery of The Chocolate Islands

choco island

©HBD Príncipe Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of chocolate in our culture and history? Have you ever heard of “The Chocolate Islands” before? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, what do you think the term might refer to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tropical /TROP-i-kuhl / [adjective] – extremely hot The students explored the lush tropical rainforest, filled with colorful birds and vibrant plants. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Over the years, there has been a decline in…
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Berberine’s sudden fame raises safety issues

berberine

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are food supplements? Do you take food supplements? Tell me about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. derived /dih-RAHYVD/ [verb] – coming from or caused by something else The serum’s main component is an antioxidant derived from mangosteens. caution /KAW-shuhn/ [noun] – great care and attention The teacher emphasized the importance of caution when conducting scientific experiments to ensure safety and accuracy. consult /KUHN-suhlt/ [verb] – to get information or advice from a person, book, etc. with special knowledge on a particular subject The patient decided to consult with…
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Mechanical ‘Monster Wolves’ roar to guard crops

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of robot wolves before? What do you think they might be used for? Why do you think farmers might be worried about wild animals in their fields? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – complete disorder and confusion, often resulting in a state of upheaval or turmoil After the hurricane hit, the town was in chaos, with houses damaged and streets flooded. mechanical /muh-KAN-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to or operated by machinery or a machine The mechanical arm on the robot could perform precise…
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Can big tech access and monitor people’s messages?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about end-to-end encryption? What messaging apps do you know that are known to have end-to-end encryption? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something new The company decided to adopt new technology to improve productivity and efficiency. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm / [noun] – an opinion given about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgments The movie received mixed criticism from the audience, with some praising it while others found it confusing. democratic…
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Groundbreaking discovery reveals Megalodon may have been warm-blooded

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are prehistoric animals? Which prehistoric animals do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insight /IN-sahyt / [noun] – a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation The book provided readers with profound insights into the nature of happiness and fulfillment. mammal /MAM-uhl/ [noun] – any animal in which the female gives birth to babies, not eggs, and feeds them on milk from her own body Elephants are the largest land mammals and possess remarkable intelligence and emotional capabilities. adaptation /ad-uhp-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] –…
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Unleash the power of drawing

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of drawing as a means of expression and communication? In what ways can drawing be used as a therapeutic tool for individuals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact Sarah used colorful markers to express her creativity by drawing beautiful pictures. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance The sun began to set, and the sky gradually turned from bright blue to a soft orange color. emotion /ih-MOH-shuhn/ [noun] – a…
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