Intermediate

Concerns rise over melatonin overuse as sleep aid

2023年10月6日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you tried using supplements to help you sleep? How was the experience? Do you think these supplements are safe? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aid /eyd/ [noun] – help or support The government increased financial aid for small businesses during the economic downturn. disorder /dis-AWR-der/ [noun] – an illness of the mind or body The psychologist diagnosed her with an anxiety disorder based on her symptoms and behavior. excessive /ik-SES-iv/ [adjective] – too much The company faced criticism for its excessive use of packaging, which…
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Intermediate

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China’s Chang’e-6 mission is set to collect moon samples from the far side next year

2023年10月5日

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©China National Space Administration Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a “mission to the moon” might involve? Why do you think space agencies or countries might be interested in sending missions to the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – an important job, especially a military one, that someone is sent somewhere to do Your mission is to isolate the enemy by destroying all the bridges across the river. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success. data /DEY-tuh/…
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Intermediate

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Japan implements a tourist tax at the famous ‘floating shrine’ to combat overtourism

2023年10月5日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you hear about a shrine that appears to float on water? What do you think makes such a place unique or special? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to He emphasized that all the people taking part in the research were volunteers. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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Canada implements nationwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics

2023年10月4日

Brown rabbit on couch. Veterinarian trims claws. Doctors in gloves.

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts on using animals to test cosmetic products? Do you think using animals to test cosmetic products is right and acceptable? Why or why not? 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 country enacted a ban on the importation of certain endangered animal products to combat the illegal wildlife trade. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something The restaurant has a sign that prohibits smoking in outdoor dining areas. accessible /ak-SES-uh-buhl/ [adjective] –…
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Intermediate

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Safety tips for outdoor adventures

2023年10月3日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important to be prepared and informed before embarking on outdoor adventures? What are some common risks and hazards associated with outdoor activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective] – Someone who is cautious avoids risks Before crossing the busy street, it is important to be cautious and look both ways to ensure your safety. confidently /KAAN-fuh-duhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that shows you are certain of your abilities or have trust in people, plans, or the future Despite being nervous, she stood up in…
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Intermediate

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Google to block Canadian news in response to new media legislation

2023年10月2日

Google

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you usually stay updated on the latest news? What are some popular sources or platforms that people rely on for accessing news content? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – in some countries, the group of (usually) elected politicians or other people who make the laws for their country The members of parliament gather in the government building to discuss and make decisions about the new laws. block /blok/ [verb] – to prevent movement through something It was impossible for cars to pass through because a…
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Intermediate

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What you need to know about ‘aspartame’

2023年10月1日

Aspartame

©U.S. FDA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which do you like more, sweet beverages or water? Why? What are some of your favorite sweet beverages? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substance /SUHB-stuhns / [noun] – material with particular physical characteristics Water is a substance that is transparent and flows easily. review /ri-VYOO/ [verb] – to think or talk about something again, in order to make changes to it or to make a decision about it I need to review my essay before submitting it to my teacher to make sure there are no mistakes. potential…
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Intermediate

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The fascination with “ugly” animals

2023年9月30日

ugly

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think defines an animal as “ugly” in the eyes of humans? How does society’s perception of beauty influence our attitudes toward animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affection /uh-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a feeling of liking for a person or place Maria showed affection for her little sister by giving her a warm hug and a gentle smile. standard /STAN-derd / [noun] – a level of quality The teacher explained that it was important to follow the standard rules of grammar when writing an essay. appreciate…
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Intermediate

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The fascinating story of Klimt’s “Lady with a Fan” painting

2023年9月28日

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©Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever tried painting before? If yes, what kind of painting did you do? If not, what do you think it would be like to paint? Can you name any famous painters from history? What do you know about their work or their style? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time During our science class, we will discover fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system. fancy /FAN-see/ [adjective] – decorative or…
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Intermediate

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Virgin Galactic, Italian Air Force partner for commercial space mission

2023年9月28日

virgin galactic

©https://www.virgingalactic.com/ Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are commercial space missions? If you had the opportunity, would you go on one? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to work with someone else for a special purpose The research project required scientists from various fields to collaborate and share their expertise. upcoming /UHP-kuhm-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The organization is holding a meeting to discuss the upcoming projects and set goals for the upcoming year. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve…
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Intermediate

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