Intermediate

Unprecedented rainfall transforms Sahara Desert

BRIX IIMG (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens to a desert landscape when it rains? Why is rain considered a significant event in deserts? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/ [noun] – a fact or event that can be observed, especially something unusual or difficult to understand The Northern Lights are a beautiful phenomenon that many people travel to see. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – a small amount of liquid, often water, that is present in the air or on a surface Plants need some moisture to grow healthy and strong. devastation /dev-uh-STEY-shuhn/ [noun] – severe…
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Cambodian fisherman turns to eel farming amid declining fish stocks in Tonle Sap

BRIX IIMG (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever eaten eel? What dishes do you think include eel as an ingredient? What environmental conditions do you think are necessary for successful eel farming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fisherman /FISH-er-muhn/ [noun] – a person who catches fish for a living or as a hobby The fisherman woke up early to catch fresh fish for his family. income /IN-kuhm/ [noun] – money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments Her income allows her to buy new clothes and save for vacations. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/…
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New research reveals humanity may have hit the limit of life expectancy

old

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “life expectancy” mean? Do you think living longer is always a good thing? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] – the forward movement of something, or an improvement or development in something The latest advances in technology have made communication much faster. slow down /sloh doun/ [phrasal verb] – to reduce speed or become less active The overall reduction in pollution has slowed down. point out /point out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or highlight something important She pointed out a mistake…
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ESA’s Hera spacecraft embarks on critical mission to assess asteroid deflection for planetary defense

BRIX IIMG

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about asteroids? Why are asteroids important to study? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to set a spacecraft or rocket in motion into the sky or space The team will launch the new app next month to improve communication. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – a specific task or duty assigned to a person or group, often involving a goal The team completed their mission to clean the beach last weekend. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something accomplished, especially by hard work, skill, or effort Winning…
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Auto mechanics student faces life-threatening situation as vehicle accelerates uncontrollably to 120 mph in Minnesota

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the most common causes of road accidents? What safety measures do you believe are most effective in preventing road accidents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acceleration /ak-sel-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the increase in the speed or rate of something The car experienced rapid acceleration, reaching a high speed quickly. interstate /in-ter-STEYT/ [noun] – a major highway that runs between states They decided to avoid the interstate to stay away from heavy traffic. respond /ri-SPOND/ [verb] – to react to something that has been said or done The police responded…
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Belgian researchers study impact of climate change on pear farming in 2040 simulation

Pears

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What fruit do you wish your country could grow, and why do you think it would be beneficial? What possible effects of climate change could impact the crops or produce in farming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transparent /trans-PAIR-uhnt/ [adjective] – allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen The glass is transparent, so we can see the beautiful garden outside. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting…
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Scientists reveal detailed map of fruit fly brain

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What benefits do flies provide to other animals and plants? What animals are commonly used in scientific studies, and why do you think they are chosen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. structure /STRUHK-cher/ [noun] – the arrangement or organization of parts to form an entire object or system The structure of the human body includes various systems like the circulatory and respiratory systems. signal /SIG-nl/ [noun] – a sign or indication that conveys information or instructions The neurons in the brain send signals to communicate with each other and coordinate…
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Indian pianist overcomes adversity, delivers stunning performance at Bengaluru Music Festival

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©AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities make a musician talented? How do talented musicians develop their skills? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dedication /ded-i-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being committed to a task or purpose Her dedication to studying helped her pass the exam. conquer /KONG-ker/ [verb] – to overcome or defeat He wants to conquer his fear of speaking in public. institution /in-sti-TOO-shuhn/ [noun] – an organization founded for a specific purpose, such as education or social services The school is an important institution for learning in our community….
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James Webb Space Telescope discovers carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the main chemical substances found on the moon’s surface? Why are scientists interested in studying the chemical composition of the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. telescope /TEL-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a device used to see things that are far away The teacher used a telescope to show the stars to the class. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outside or top layer of something The water’s surface was calm and shiny like a mirror. understanding /uhn-der-STAN-ding/ [noun] – the ability to know something; comprehension My teacher helped me gain…
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World’s first continual cruise to welcome passengers after Belfast repair delays

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the advantages of taking a cruise vacation compared to other types of travel? What amenities or activities do you think are important to have on a cruise ship? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. voyage /VOI-ij/ [noun] – a long journey, especially by ship The crew prepared for their voyage across the Pacific Ocean. gearbox /GEER-boks/ [noun] – a mechanical device that contains gears and is used to change the speed or direction of a moving vehicle or machine The car’s gearbox needed to be replaced…
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