Intermediate

Chick-fil-A pilots novel drive-thru concept with urban planning principles

drivethru

©Chick-fil-A Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you purchase food from drive-thrus? How long should a drive-thru transaction last? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. principle /PRIN-suh-puhl/ [noun] – a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works The principle of supply and demand dictates that prices tend to increase when demand exceeds supply and decrease when supply exceeds demand. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Applying a moisturizer can enhance the appearance and texture of the skin, making it look smoother…
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Elton John’s unforgettable farewell at Glastonbury

Elton John

©BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most memorable concert or live performance you have attended? Who do you consider an iconic figure in the music industry? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. icon /AHY-kon/ [noun] – a very famous person or thing considered as representing a set of beliefs or a way of life Michael Jackson is regarded as a cultural icon for his groundbreaking music. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The students’ performance in the school play was remarkable. cheer /cheer/ [verb] – to…
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Exploring the potential of firefighting drones to tackle wildfires

drones

©ADAI/University of Coimbra Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the main challenges faced by firefighters when combating wildfires, and how can drones potentially address those challenges? What are the benefits of using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras in wildfire scenarios? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed It is important to preserve our natural resources, such as trees and water, to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. spread /spred/…
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FDA approves Sarepta’s Viltolarsen: a milestone for muscular dystrophy treatment

viltolarsen

©NS Pharma Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a ‘rare disease’? Which rare diseases do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approval /uh-PROO-vuhl/ [noun] – official permission The financial expenditure must be within budget limits and require the manager’s approval before any funds can be allocated. drug /druhg/ [noun] – any natural or artificially made chemical that is used as a medicine The pharmacist carefully dispensed the prescribed drug, providing instructions on dosage and potential side effects. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test, usually over a limited period of time, to discover…
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Mid-career workers pursuing their dream jobs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common challenges that mid-career workers face when pursuing their dream jobs? What factors might motivate mid-career workers to pursue their dream jobs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chase /cheys/ [verb] – to try to get something that is difficult to get or achieve The ambitious student chased after their dream of becoming a doctor, working hard and studying diligently to achieve their goal. bravery /BREY-vuh-ree/ [noun] – brave behavior or actions Despite feeling scared, Sarah summoned up her bravery and stood up to the bully, defending her…
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Disney+ considers price increase due to UK laws

Disney+_logo

©comicbook Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the popular streaming services in your country? What do you enjoy most about using streaming services? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. proposed /pruh-POHZD/ [adjective] – suggested as a possible plan or action for people to consider The teacher discussed the proposed field trip to the zoo with the students. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient The consequence of not studying for the exam is that you may receive a lower grade. oppose /uh-POHZ/…
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Discovering ocean submersibles

submersible

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the major challenges scientists face when exploring the depths of the ocean? What are the different methods and technologies used in ocean exploration? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /uhn-SHUR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen: Before leaving the house, Maria always double-checks her bag to ensure that she has her keys, phone, and wallet with her. utmost /UHT-mohst/ [adjective] – used to emphasize how important or serious something is: The lifeguard at the pool takes the safety of swimmers with the utmost seriousness,…
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Ever-present threat that surrounds Titanic

Titanic

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Titanic? Do you want to see the Titanic shipwreck? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unpredictable /uhn-pri-DIK-tuh-buhl / [adjective] – tending to change suddenly and without reason or warning, and therefore not able to be depended on The weather in this region is unpredictable. constantly /KON-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – all the time or often John’s little brother is constantly asking questions, always curious about the world around him. steer /steer/ [verb] – to control the direction of a vehicle The captain used…
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Delightful diversity of Vietnamese cuisine

vietnamese

©Chris Middleton Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some distinctive features of Vietnamese cuisine that set it apart from other Asian cuisines? What are some key ingredients commonly used in Vietnamese cooking, and what flavors do they contribute to dishes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. delicacy /DEL-i-kuh-see/ [noun] – something especially rare or expensive that is good to eat Eating sushi is considered a delicacy in Japan, as it involves carefully prepared raw fish served with rice and various toppings. combine /kuhm-BAHYN/ [verb ] – to (cause to) exist together, or join together to…
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Test case decides the future of fossil fuels in UK

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your understanding of the term ‘fossil fuels’? What are the factors that you believe contribute to global warming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new dinosaur fossil has provided significant information about the ancient creatures that lived millions of years ago. underestimate /uhn-der-ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to fail to guess or understand the real cost, size, difficulty, etc. of something They underestimated the power of teamwork in achieving success and overcoming challenges. thorough /THUR-oh/ [adjective] – detailed and…
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