Intermediate

New York chef transforms diets with edible insects

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your initial reaction or perception when you hear about consuming insects as food? In which part of your country do you think edible insects are traditionally part of the diet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [noun] – something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice The chef offered a vegetarian alternative for those who preferred not to have meat in their meal. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members…
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Record rainfall paralyzes Hong Kong, prompting emergency measures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘record rainfall’ means? Why might the record rainfall be significant for a region or community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The discovery of a previously unknown species of deep-sea creature was a remarkable achievement for the team of marine biologists. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack The car accident caused a minor injury to her arm. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to…
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Ohtani secures second consecutive American League MVP award unanimously

Ohtani Shohei

©Nikkei Asia Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is baseball the most popular sport in your country? Why or why not? Who are your favorite athletes, and what makes them your favorites? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] – one part of a situation, problem, subject, etc. The cultural aspect of the city’s diversity is evident in its various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. compare /kuhm-PAIR/ [verb] – to examine the similarities and differences between two or more things The teacher asked the students to compare and contrast the themes of two classic…
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Mount Fuji struggles with overtourism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know or associate with Mount Fuji, both in terms of its physical characteristics and its cultural significance? What role does Mount Fuji play in Japanese culture or history? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The bridge showed signs of strain after the heavy storm, prompting engineers to assess its structural integrity. descend /dih-SEND/ [verb] – to go or come down The hikers carefully descended the steep mountain trail,…
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Japan’s teamLab is set to launch an updated digital museum in Tokyo’s mega complex

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©Reuters/KIM KYUNG-HOON Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “digital museum”? How do you imagine it might be different from a traditional museum? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The treasure was hidden beneath the old oak tree. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. The construction of the new bridge is progressing ahead of schedule. medical /MED-i-kuhl / [adjective] – related to…
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Survivors grappling with desperation in wake of Moroccan earthquake in Atlas Mountains

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is meant by the word ‘earthquake’? Can you think of any real-life situations or locations where earthquakes might be more likely to occur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something The hidden treasure was buried beneath a large oak tree in the forest. collapse /kuh-LAPS/ [verb] – to fall down suddenly because of pressure or having no strength or support The old, deteriorating bridge finally collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck…
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Fossil in New Mexico suggests a new kind of Tyrannosaurus rex

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©U.S. Sergei Krasinski/Handout via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images or ideas come to your mind when you hear the term Tyrannosaurus rex? What do you expect to discover about this dinosaur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn / [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The evolution of smartphones has transformed communication in the modern era. selection /si-LEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of choosing someone or something The selection of a candidate for the job involved a thorough interview process. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun]…
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Tokyo remembers earthquake from 100 years ago, urges preparedness

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of ‘earthquake’? What are the potential consequences of a major earthquake? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee/ [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering The earthquake was a great tragedy, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to cause the death of or take the lives of a significant number of people The deadly virus claimed the lives of thousands across the country. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in…
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Paleontologists uncover evidence of meat-eating dinosaurs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of examples of animals that are considered predators? What about prey? Can you provide examples of adaptations that predators and prey might have developed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances The cheetah’s speed is crucial for its survival in the wild. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – very large in scale, amount, or degree The elephant’s massive size is a key feature that helps it intimidate potential predators. contrary /KON-trer-ee/ [adjective]…
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Nepal implements a TikTok ban due to social concerns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which smartphone applications do people in your country typically use? How concerned are you about cybersecurity and privacy issues related to using social media platforms or applications? 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 antibiotics was a significant advancement in the field of medicine. harmony /HAHR-muh-nee/ [noun] – a situation in which people are peaceful and agree with each other, or when things seem right or suitable together The concert was a beautiful display of musical harmony, as each instrument blended seamlessly…
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