Intermediate

A new pangolin species emerges in the fight against extinction

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about pangolins? Is illegal trading of animals or poaching a widespread issue in your country? Which specific animals are commonly targeted in such activities? 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 Dolphins and whales belong to the same species known as cetaceans. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings,…
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Nickel mining boom threatens future sustainability

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a nickel? How do you think nickel is commonly used in everyday products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The recent discovery of a significant breakthrough in medical research offers hope for a new treatment. mine /mahyn/ [noun] – a hole or system of holes in the ground where substances such as coal, metal, and salt are removed The miners descended into the deep underground mine to extract valuable minerals. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation,…
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Netherlands to return stolen artifacts to Sri Lanka and Indonesia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you been to a museum? How was the experience? Do you think artifacts are important to a country’s cultural identity? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. injustice /in-JUHS-tis/ [noun] – (an example of) a situation in which there is no fairness and justice The organization provides legal aid to those who have experienced injustice and cannot afford representation. immense /ih-MENS/ [adjective] – extremely large in size or degree The concert drew an immense crowd, with thousands of people filling the stadium. preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the…
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New drug ‘donanemab’ slows Alzheimer’s cognitive decline

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©dementiaresearcher Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is Alzheimer’s disease? What questions do you have about Alzheimer’s disease that you’d like to learn more about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [noun] – someone’s or something’s ability to develop, achieve, or succeed The young musician showed great potential with her natural talent and dedication to practice. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test, usually over a limited period of time, to discover how effective or suitable something or someone is The new software underwent a trial to evaluate its performance and identify any potential issues…
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Exercise enhances brain health, but only with enough sleep

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you exercise? What’s your favorite routine? Do you get enough sleep? How do you feel about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. regulate /REG-yuh-leyt/ [verb] – to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way The goal of the new legislation is to regulate the sale and consumption of tobacco products for public health reasons. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Adding spices and herbs can enhance the flavor of a dish. underlying /UHN-der-lahy-ing/ [adjective] – real but not…
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Heatwave impact – Summer’s new face

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the climate crisis? What is the average temperature during the summer in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering The country is currently facing an economic crisis with high unemployment rates. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The hurricane caused extreme damage to the coastal towns, with houses completely destroyed. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The stars were so bright that they were visible even from the city center….
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Unleash your adventurous spirit in a remote Scottish archipelago

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©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

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©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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