Intermediate

John Oliver’s beloved avian icon seizes glory as New Zealand’s ‘Bird of the Century’

2024年1月26日

BIRD

©Peter Foulds/Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When you hear the term ‘Bird of the Century,’ what ideas or images come to mind? What qualities do you think a bird must possess to be given such a title? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. comedian /kuh-MEE-dee-uhn / [noun] – a person whose job is to make people laugh by telling jokes and funny stories or by copying the behavior or speech of famous people The comedian had everyone in stitches with his jokes and funny stories at the comedy…
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Intermediate

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Unprecedented heatwave ravages Brazil

2024年1月25日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a “heatwave,” and how does it differ from regular warm weather? Can you recall any personal experiences or news stories related to heatwaves? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. scorching /SKAWR-ching/ [adjective] – hot or burning The scorching sun made the pavement too hot to walk on barefoot. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to emphasize or draw attention to something The speaker used graphs and charts to highlight the key points of the presentation. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having great extent The national park had an…
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Intermediate

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NHS England aims to end cervical cancer by 2040

2024年1月24日

Cervical Vaccine

©GETTY IMAGES Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What knowledge or information do you have about ‘cancer’? Can you mention any risk factors or common causes associated with cancer that you’re aware of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – an event to celebrate or introduce something new The company will launch its innovative product next month at the trade show. worldwide /wurld-WAHYD/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts of the world The company’s product launch received widespread attention and was marketed and distributed worldwide, reaching consumers in over 100 countries. overcome…
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Intermediate

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New Delhi struggles with severe air pollution crisis

2024年1月23日

Smog India

©Arun Thakur / AFP – Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the most significant impacts or consequences of air pollution on the environment and human health? Can you describe some sources or factors contributing to air pollution that you are aware of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis / [noun] – an extremely difficult or dangerous point in a situation The pandemic created a crisis, disrupting normal life worldwide. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone…
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Intermediate

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Disney’s Zootopia delights visitors in its Shanghai debut

2024年1月22日

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©REUTERS/Nicoco Chan Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the main characters in Zootopia might be like? What kind of adventures or challenges do you think the characters could face? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. represent /rep-ri-ZENT/ [verb] – to symbolize or stand for something The national flag represents the unity and identity of our country. magical /MAJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – having qualities of magic; enchanting, extraordinary, or producing a sense of wonder The garden was filled with magical flowers that glowed in the moonlight. domestic /duh-MES-tik/ [adjective] – relating to a person’s own…
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Intermediate

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Kenya declares National Tree Planting Day on November 13 to grow 15 billion trees by 2032

2024年1月21日

kenya

©Arterra/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about trees, and why are they important? Have you ever planted a tree or seen someone planting a tree? If yes, can you share your experience? If not, what do you think might be involved in planting a tree? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. citizen /SIT-uh-zuhn/ [noun] – a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular…
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Intermediate

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Iceland declares state of emergency as imminent volcanic eruption threatens town of Grindavík

2024年1月20日

iceland-2111811_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a volcanic eruption, and how does it impact the surrounding areas? Can you recall any recent or historical volcanic eruptions and their consequences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a statement or indication that someone or something is likely to cause harm or danger The government issued a threat warning, urging citizens to stay vigilant during the potential volcanic eruption. earthquake /URTH-kweyk / [noun] – the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere that…
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Intermediate

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Morning workouts show weight loss promise, a new study suggests

2024年1月19日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term “morning exercise”? How do you think it differs from exercising at other times of the day? 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 used bold visuals and repeated key points to emphasize the importance of environmental conservation. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or make something clear The science experiment aimed to demonstrate how various factors affect plant growth, making the process…
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Intermediate

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Study reveals starfish bodies are not what they seem

2024年1月18日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think sea stars look like? How do you imagine sea stars moving and living in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – traditional and ordinary The small town’s celebration adhered to conventional festivities, with families gathering for a traditional parade and a feast of ordinary yet cherished dishes. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to have or possess something to be proud of The accomplished author could boast a vast collection of published novels, each contributing to the literary world in its own unique way….
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Intermediate

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Cutting daily salt by one teaspoon lowers blood pressure

2024年1月17日

salt-6728600_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What health benefits or drawbacks related to salt do you currently know or believe in? Do you manage or monitor your salt intake? Why or why not? 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 treatment for a rare disease is a significant breakthrough in medical research. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – any feeling of illness or physical or mental change that is caused by a particular disease Persistent coughing is a symptom of various respiratory conditions, including bronchitis. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective]…
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Intermediate

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