Intermediate

Unveiling the rediscovery of The Chocolate Islands

choco island

©HBD Príncipe Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of chocolate in our culture and history? Have you ever heard of “The Chocolate Islands” before? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, what do you think the term might refer to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tropical /TROP-i-kuhl / [adjective] – extremely hot The students explored the lush tropical rainforest, filled with colorful birds and vibrant plants. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Over the years, there has been a decline in…
Read more

Berberine’s sudden fame raises safety issues

berberine

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are food supplements? Do you take food supplements? Tell me about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. derived /dih-RAHYVD/ [verb] – coming from or caused by something else The serum’s main component is an antioxidant derived from mangosteens. caution /KAW-shuhn/ [noun] – great care and attention The teacher emphasized the importance of caution when conducting scientific experiments to ensure safety and accuracy. consult /KUHN-suhlt/ [verb] – to get information or advice from a person, book, etc. with special knowledge on a particular subject The patient decided to consult with…
Read more

Mechanical ‘Monster Wolves’ roar to guard crops

corn-field-440338_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of robot wolves before? What do you think they might be used for? Why do you think farmers might be worried about wild animals in their fields? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – complete disorder and confusion, often resulting in a state of upheaval or turmoil After the hurricane hit, the town was in chaos, with houses damaged and streets flooded. mechanical /muh-KAN-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to or operated by machinery or a machine The mechanical arm on the robot could perform precise…
Read more

Can big tech access and monitor people’s messages?

internet-3113279_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about end-to-end encryption? What messaging apps do you know that are known to have end-to-end encryption? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something new The company decided to adopt new technology to improve productivity and efficiency. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm / [noun] – an opinion given about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgments The movie received mixed criticism from the audience, with some praising it while others found it confusing. democratic…
Read more

Groundbreaking discovery reveals Megalodon may have been warm-blooded

laura-college-SFq3STsAKgc-unsplash

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are prehistoric animals? Which prehistoric animals do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insight /IN-sahyt / [noun] – a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation The book provided readers with profound insights into the nature of happiness and fulfillment. mammal /MAM-uhl/ [noun] – any animal in which the female gives birth to babies, not eggs, and feeds them on milk from her own body Elephants are the largest land mammals and possess remarkable intelligence and emotional capabilities. adaptation /ad-uhp-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] –…
Read more

Unleash the power of drawing

artist-gb560d6e00_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of drawing as a means of expression and communication? In what ways can drawing be used as a therapeutic tool for individuals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact Sarah used colorful markers to express her creativity by drawing beautiful pictures. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance The sun began to set, and the sky gradually turned from bright blue to a soft orange color. emotion /ih-MOH-shuhn/ [noun] – a…
Read more

Scientists discover bird flu defense in humans

geese-gbc6789212_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is bird flu? What specific regions or countries have experienced significant bird flu outbreaks in the past? 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 rare species of plant in the forest is a significant event for botanists and conservationists. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The heavy workload put a strain on her physical and mental health. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl / [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions…
Read more

Unresolved emotions might be the cause of recurring dreams says experts

pexels-ron-lach-8263101

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of your recurring dreams? What do you think those dreams mean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intense /in-TENS/ [adjective] – extreme and forceful or (of a feeling) very strong The intense emotions portrayed by the actor captivated the audience. subjective /suhb-JEK-tiv/ [adjective] – influenced by or based on personal beliefs or feelings, rather than based on facts Artistic interpretation is highly subjective, allowing for diverse and varied perspectives. therapist /THER-uh-pist/ [noun] – someone whose job is to treat a particular type of mental or physical illness or…
Read more

Surge in child and teen diabetes cases amid COVID-19 raises concerns

diabetes-gbaff630fe_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you heard of diabetes before? What do you know about it? How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic might have affected people’s health? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The company made a substantial profit this year, which allowed them to expand their business. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – not knowing what to do or believe, or not able to decide about something I feel uncertain about what to wear to the party. thirst /thurst/ [noun] – a need for something…
Read more

How white roofs cool homes in Indian slums

roof

©Mitul Kajaria Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does the color of a roof affect the temperature inside a building? How do white roofs impact energy consumption and utility costs for homeowners? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unbearable /uhn-BAIR-uh-buhl / [adjective] – too painful or unpleasant for you to continue to experience The heat inside the classroom during the summer was unbearable, making it difficult for the students to concentrate on their studies. effective /ih-FEK-tiv/ [adjective] – successful or achieving the results that you want Using flashcards can be an effective way for students to…
Read more