Intermediate

Greek runner, 88, defies age by completing 41st Athens marathon

2024年11月15日

Marathon

©REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do people prepare for a marathon? What are some of the benefits of running or participating in marathons? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. barrier /BAR-ee-er/ [noun] – an obstacle or limit that prevents movement or progress. He broke down the barriers that were stopping him from succeeding. messenger /MES-uhn-jer/ [noun] – someone who takes a message or documents from one person to another She became a messenger for the group, spreading news across the city. victory /VIK-tuh-ree/ [noun] – an occasion when you win a game, competition,…
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Intermediate

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The giant salmon carp, once feared extinct, has reappeared in the Mekong River amid conservation efforts

2024年11月14日

BRIX IIMG (16)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is an extinct animal? What happens to the environment when an animal goes extinct? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reappear /ree-uh-PEER/ [verb] – to appear again after being gone or hidden for a period of time The bird was thought to be gone, but it suddenly reappeared in the forest. specimen /SPES-uh-muhn/ [noun] – a single example or sample of something, especially for scientific study The scientist carefully examined the plant specimen under a microscope. overfishing /ow-vr-FI-shuhng/ [noun] – the practice of catching too many fish, causing a decline…
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Intermediate

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“Squid Game” season 2 returns with new challenges and a quest for justice

2024年11月13日

Squid Game

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What’s a movie or series you could watch over and over again? What makes it so special to you? If you could change the ending of any movie or series, which one would it be, and how would you change it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. hint /hint/ [verb] – to suggest or imply something indirectly She hinted that she might be moving to a new city next year. fame /feym/ [noun] – the state of being known or recognized by many people because of your achievements, skills, etc. The…
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Intermediate

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Mexico City’s floating gardens face threats from urban growth

2024年11月12日

Chinampas

©(AP Photo/Felix Marquez) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is urbanization? What challenges do farmers face in maintaining their livelihoods today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mud /muhd/ [noun] – soft, wet earth or soil, often found on the ground after rain After the rain, the trail was covered in thick mud, making it hard to walk. profitable /PROF-i-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – earning or likely to earn money or gain Investing in renewable energy projects can be very profitable. ecologist /ih-KOL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a person who studies the natural relationships between the air, land, water, animals,…
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Intermediate

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Archaeologists unearth twelve sandstone statues at Angkor Thom in Cambodia

2024年11月11日

BRIX IIMG (15)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about archaeology? What tools or methods do archaeologists typically use in their work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sculpture /SKULP-cher/ [noun] – the art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood The museum displayed an ancient sculpture carved from stone. dedicated /DED-i-key-tid/ [adjective] – believing that an activity or idea is important and giving a lot of energy and time to it She is dedicated to preserving the local history of her town. restoration /reh-str-AY-shn/ [noun] – the…
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Intermediate

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Apple introduces hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2

2024年11月10日

earpods

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think smartphones have changed the way we communicate and interact with others? What types of apps do you find most useful in your daily life, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The new car model includes a safety feature that automatically stops the vehicle if an obstacle is detected. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something The company had to adjust its operations to comply with environmental…
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Intermediate

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Europe faces catastrophic flooding while the U.S. endures a flash drought amid extreme weather patterns linked to climate change

2024年11月9日

BRIX IIMG (12)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes changes in weather patterns? How does climate change affect our environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severe /suh-VEER/ [adjective] – very great; intense The storm caused severe damage to many buildings. disruption /dis-RUHP-shuhn/ [noun] – disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process The earthquake caused a major disruption in the city’s transportation system. transportation /trans-per-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the action of moving people or goods from one place to another Public transportation is essential for many people in cities. trap /trap/ [verb] – to catch and…
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Intermediate

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Christopher Reeve shows a hero’s true story

2024年11月8日

Superman

©REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Superman? What qualities do you think make someone a hero? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragic /TRAJ-ik/ [adjective] – very sad, often involving death and suffering The sudden loss of her pet was a tragic event for the entire family. dramatically /druh-MAT-ik-lee/ [adverb] – suddenly or obviously The new policy changed the company’s performance dramatically, leading to higher profits. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The photographer aims to capture the beauty of…
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Intermediate

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New York City launches “Living Breakwaters” project to protect coastline and restore marine ecosystems after Superstorm Sandy

2024年11月7日

reeef

©AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is coastal protection? Why is protecting coastal areas important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coastal /KOHS-tl/ [adjective] – relating to or located on the coast The coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. natural /NACH-er-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind The park is filled with natural beauty and diverse wildlife to explore. defense /dih-FENS/ [noun] – the action of defending from or resisting attack; protection The team improved its defense to prevent the…
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Intermediate

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Curfew aims to reduce overtourism in Seoul’s historic hanok village

2024年11月6日

hanok village

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular tourist destinations in your country? If you could visit any famous tourist destination, where would you go and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynasty /DAHY-nuh-stee/ [noun] – a line of hereditary rulers of a country or a powerful family that maintains power for a long period The Ming Dynasty is known for its significant contributions to Chinese culture and art. flock /flok/ [verb] – to gather or move in a large crowd towards a place Tourists flock to the beach each summer to enjoy the…
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Intermediate

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