Intermediate

Rudie van Vuuren competes in Cricket and Rugby World Cups

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite sport, and why do you enjoy it? Can you name some famous athletes or sports personalities you admire? Why do you look up to them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – in danger of becoming extinct or disappearing from the Earth. Refers to species or animals at risk of no longer existing The panda is an endangered species, and conservation efforts are in place to protect its habitat. tribe /trahyb/ [noun] – a social group or community of people who share a common…
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FDA considers ban on hair-straightening products linked to health risks

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In your experience or knowledge, is straightening hair a common hair treatment in your country? Could you share some details or practices associated with it? Besides hair straightening, what other common hair treatments or practices do you often come across or use in your region or community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening The government issued a ban on smoking in public places. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you…
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Composer behind Squid Game and Parasite shares the secret to his award-winning music

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©KCCUK Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the role of music in movies is? How can music contribute to the overall storytelling of a film? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. composer /kuhm-POH-zer / [noun] – a person who writes music The composer worked tirelessly to create a beautiful symphony that would touch the hearts of many. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a widespread and intense surge of popularity or excitement Her unexpected performance at the talent show became a sensation, leaving the audience in awe. soundtrack /SOUND-trak/ [noun] – the sounds, especially the…
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Kobe beef revolutionizes global dining

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What nutrients do you believe you can obtain from consuming beef? Why do you think Kobe beef is considered a special or high-quality type of beef? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/ [adjective] – limited to only one person or group of people This restaurant is known for its exclusive wine selection, featuring rare vintages from around the world. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/ [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something Their commitment to environmental conservation led them to organize regular community clean-up events and tree-planting initiatives. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/…
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Ticks’ meat allergy spreads in US, CDC warns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an allergy? What allergies are you familiar with? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dairy /DAIR-ee/ [adjective] – used to refer to cows that are used for producing milk, rather than meat, or to foods that are made from milk, such as cream, butter, and cheese I enjoy having dairy products like yogurt and cheese as part of my breakfast every morning. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – any feeling of illness or physical or mental change that is caused by a particular disease A persistent cough is one of the…
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Concerns rise over excessive antibiotic use in UK food supply chain for hospitals and schools

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are antibiotics? What is their primary purpose in healthcare? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. welfare /WEL-fair / [noun] – well-being and treatment of animals or humans The government is committed to improving the welfare of its citizens through various social programs. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – He had to stay home from school because he had a contagious infection. The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, in the body, leading to illness. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] – to examine or look into something thoroughly to gather…
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Western Australian officials force to euthanize stranded whales

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©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you seen a whale in person? Describe your experience. What are some of the threats that marine wildlife faces in today’s oceans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distressing /duh-STREH-suhng/ [adjective] – upsetting or worrying The student received a distressing email notifying them of a significant grade drop in one of their courses. encounter /en-KOUN-ter/ [verb] – to experience something, especially something unpleasant The company encountered unexpected financial difficulties, leading to layoffs and budget cuts. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new treatment for…
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Japan’s population drops by 800,000 in demographic crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What societal issues are you most concerned about? What comes to mind when you think of population decline? 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 faced an economic crisis, leading to high unemployment rates and widespread financial hardship for its citizens. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength The decline in sales has led the company to reconsider its marketing strategy. rate /reyt/ [noun] – the speed at which something happens…
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Experts debunk toddler milk benefits

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts or knowledge about the nutritional needs of toddlers (children aged 1 to 3 years)? Can you provide any insights or information about the benefits of breast milk or infant formula for infants? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to During the presentation, the speaker paused to emphasize the key points, ensuring the audience understood their significance. balanced diet /BAL-uhnst DAHY-it / [noun] – A balanced diet is a combination of the correct…
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Thailand discovers electric blue tarantula species

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©Courtesy Narin Chomphuphuang Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a tarantula? If so, can you describe your encounter with one? If not, what are your initial impressions or thoughts about tarantulas? Could you share some examples of unique species you have encountered in your life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting The documentary about marine life was so fascinating that I couldn’t stop watching it. identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to recognize or establish the identity of something or someone The detective was able to identify the suspect…
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