Intermediate

Study finds red meat consumption increases type 2 diabetes risk

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about red meat and its place in the diet? In your opinion, what are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of including red meat in one’s diet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The extensive library housed books on a wide range of topics, from history to science fiction. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret The detective was hesitant…
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Tech giants Nvidia and Foxconn join forces for AI and autonomous tech evolution

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©Foxconn Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “artificial intelligence” (AI)? Share any initial thoughts or ideas you have, even if you’re not sure what it means. How do you think machines or computers can be “intelligent” or make decisions on their own? What do you imagine when you hear about machines that can think and learn like humans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an…
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World’s smallest bear steps into spotlight, raising concerns

Sunbear

©dailyrecord Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some different types of bears that can be found in your country? Which animals are considered endangered in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the habitat of endangered species. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or,…
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Guinness World Records names Pepper X as the hottest chili pepper on Earth

Pepper X

©Jeffrey Collins/AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Guinness World Records? What specific record caught your attention? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range The scientist conducted an extensive study to analyze the impact of climate change on the extensive coastal regions. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – refers to the relative amount of a substance within a mixture, solution, or compound The concentration of sugar in this syrup is quite high, making it ideal for sweetening desserts. trial /TRAHY-uhl/…
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Webb telescope reveals hidden secrets of the Ring Nebula

Ring nebula

©ESA/Webb/NASA/CSA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a nebula is? Why do you think scientists and astronomers are interested in studying celestial objects like the Ring Nebula? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The main feature of the smartphone is its high-quality camera. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of, involved with, relating to, or made by using chemicals or chemistry The chemical reaction in the lab resulted in a colorful explosion. element /EL-uh-muhnt / [noun] – a part of something Hydrogen…
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AI.com shifts focus from ChatGPT to Elon Musk’s X.AI

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Elon Musk? How do you find ChatGPT useful in your interactions or tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acquiring /uh-KWAI-uh-ruhng/ [gerund] – represents the action of obtaining or gaining something Her acquisition of new skills helped her secure a better job. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of democracy emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in decision-making. motive /MOH-tiv/ [noun] – a reason for doing something The detective was determined to uncover the suspect’s motive behind the crime. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective]…
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Canadian Rockies reveal ancient jellyfish species

Jellyfish

©Christian-McCall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe jellyfish and their distinctive features? Are you interested in seeing fossils of ancient marine creatures? Why or why not? 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 Conservation efforts are focused on protecting endangered species from extinction. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn/ [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The Galápagos Islands played a significant role in…
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French Rothschild family unveils hidden 19th-century treasure trove

Rothchild

©Christie’s Images Limited 2023 Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of an auction? What do you know about it? What kinds of items do you think can be sold at an auction? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ceramics /suh-RAM-iks / [noun] – objects, such as pottery or porcelain, made of clay and baked at high temperatures, often used for decorative or functional purposes She collected beautiful ceramics from different countries. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – extremely surprising or impressive; causing amazement The magician’s tricks were astonishing, leaving the audience in awe. cameo /KAM-ee-oh/…
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Leprosy surges in Central Florida, report says

Leprosy

©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is ‘leprosy’? What diseases or illnesses tend to have localized outbreaks in specific regions of your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. absence /AB-suhns/ [noun] – the lack or nonexistence of common risk factors The absence of any warning signs led to the unexpected outcome of the experiment. nerve /nurv/ [noun] – a group of long, thin fibres (= structures like threads) that carry information or instructions between the brain and other parts of the body Damage to the nerve can lead to numbness and tingling in the…
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Arabica coffee struggles due to unpredictable climate shifts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of coffee are you familiar with? What is your favorite type of coffee, and how often do you drink it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – not known or fixed, or not completely certain The outcome of the experiment is still uncertain as we await the final results. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone She decided to tackle the challenging project head-on, determined to find a solution. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence…
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