Intermediate

Naples rocked by second quake, volcano fears rise

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might happen to buildings and the ground during an earthquake? How do you think people should prepare for such situations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing great damage The earthquake shook the buildings and frightened the people in the city. injury /IN-juh-ree/ [noun] – physical harm or damage to someone’s body caused by an accident or an attack She suffered an injury while playing soccer and had to go to the hospital for…
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Video captures a plane incident during a gender reveal party in Mexico

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think “gender reveal” means based on the term itself? Can you think of any traditional or common ways that people might announce the gender of a new baby to their friends and family? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gender /JEN-der / [noun] – a group of people in a society who share particular qualities or ways of behaving that society associates with being male, female, or another identity In our progressive society, we aim to break down stereotypes and promote gender equality, allowing everyone to express themselves…
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Snake season starts early as unusually high temperatures hit Australia

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about snakes? Are there any cultural or mythological beliefs related to snakes in your region or country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – saying that someone or something is bad or wrong His critical review of the restaurant’s food and service left no room for doubt about his dissatisfaction. emerge /ih-MURJ/ [verb] – to appear by coming out of something or out from behind something After hours of searching, the elusive butterfly finally emerged from behind the bushes, delighting the…
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Australia poised to build world’s tallest wooden tower

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited or seen a tall tower in person? If so, where was it, and what do you remember about it? Can you think of any famous towers from around the world? What do you know about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tower /TOU-er/ [noun] – a tall, narrow structure that often stands alone and is used for various purposes, such as observation, communication, or housing The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/ [adjective] – having a…
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Indian authorities contain Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about ‘viruses’? Can you think of any historical examples where viruses have significantly impacted human populations or ecosystems? 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 national park boasts extensive forests, rivers, and hiking trails for visitors to explore. calmly /KAHM-lee/ [adverb] – in a peaceful, quiet way and without worry or extreme emotion Despite the chaos around them, she handled the situation calmly and with grace. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – any feeling…
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Peculiar parasitic worms found to lack genes common in other organisms

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a parasite? Which organisms do you know are parasitic in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. infect /in-FEKT/ [verb] – to pass a disease to a person, animal, or plant The contagious disease began to infect people in neighboring villages. possess /puh-ZES/ [verb] – to have or own something, or to have a particular quality The old house possesses a certain charm and character. gene /jeen/ [noun] – a part of the DNA in a cell that controls the physical development, behaviour, etc. of an individual plant or…
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Microsoft offers free cybersecurity tools amid rising threats

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a cyberattack? How do you protect yourself from cyberattacks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. posture /POS-cher / [noun] – a way in which a government or other organization thinks about and/or deals with a particular matter The school’s posture on student well-being included providing mental health support services. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The construction project had a negative impact on the local wildlife and ecosystem. boundary /BOUN-duh-ree/ [noun] – a real or imagined line…
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Kenyan skincare brand ‘Uncover’ revolutionizes UK beauty market

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about skincare products? Are there any specific brands or types of products you are familiar with? Do you think it’s important for skincare products to include ingredients from specific regions or cultures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. brand /brand/ [noun] – A specific name or symbol that distinguishes a company’s products from others. Coca-Cola is a well-known brand of soft drinks. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – to happen or take place The accident occurred on the highway last night. conscious…
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Record global heat in September sets alarming precedent

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is meant by “extremely hot weather”? How do you think it can impact people and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme heat during the summer made it challenging to spend time outdoors. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The young artist’s talent was truly remarkable; her paintings captured the essence of nature with extraordinary detail and beauty. deadly /DED-lee/ [adjective] – likely to cause death Venomous…
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Study advances genetic engineering of pig organs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about organ transplants? What animal do you think shares similarities with humans, particularly in terms of organ transplantation and medical research? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test to discover how safe, effective, etc. a product is After extensive laboratory testing, the new vaccine is now ready for its first human trial to assess its safety and effectiveness. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a…
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