Intermediate

Titanic wreck replicated in groundbreaking underwater scanning project

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Titanic? Would you want to visit its remains? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. comprehensive /kom-pri-HEN-siv/ [adjective] – complete and including everything that is necessary The book offers a comprehensive guide to cooking techniques for beginners. uncover /uhn-KUHV-er / [verb] – to discover something secret or hidden The archaeologists carefully excavated the site to uncover ancient artifacts. utmost /UHT-mohst/ [adjective] – used to emphasize how important or serious something is The firefighters acted quickly and with the utmost bravery to save…
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New accessibility tools for iPhone and iPad set to aid disabled users

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with disabilities that some of the people you know struggle with? Tell me about it. How do these disabilities affect their day-to-day activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. individual /in-duh-VIJoo-uhl / [noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong We value the unique perspectives and contributions of each individual. vision /VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – the ability to see With his glasses on, his vision became clear and focused. privacy /PRAHY-vuh-see/ [noun] – someone’s right to keep their…
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Horrifying train crashes due to signal failure

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Does your area have a well-developed transportation system? Please provide details about its features and efficiency. Have you ever heard of a major transportation accident in your country? Why did it happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. signal /SIG-nl / [noun] – an action, movement, or sound that gives information, a message, a warning, or an order The flashing red light served as a signal for drivers to stop at the intersection. occurred /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen The earthquake occurred in the…
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A film that foretold the future with astounding accuracy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is privacy important to you? Why or why not? Are you fond of watching reality shows? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct In order to improve the accuracy of your answers, it is important to read the questions carefully and double-check your work before submitting it. reality /ree-AL-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be Watching documentaries is a great way to learn about different places…
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Apple launches its most significant product

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the latest technology trends? If so, could you share your thoughts or experiences with it? Do you believe that Apple products are the best in the market? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. boast /bohst / [verb] – to speak too proudly or happily about what you have done or what you own The company likes to boast about its superior customer service and satisfaction ratings. justify /JUHS-tuh-fahy / [verb] – to give or to be a good reason for The athlete justified…
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New Study: New York City Sinking Due to Million-Plus Buildings

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what comes to mind when you think about it? Would you like to live or work in New York someday? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The teacher’s instructions were significant in guiding the students through the classroom activities. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot / [verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens The excessive use of plastic contributes to environmental pollution. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] – to try to deal…
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NASA: Saturn’s rings may vanish

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the planet Saturn? What do you know about it? If you were going to describe Saturn to a blind person, how would you describe it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The police officer wore a reflective vest to ensure they were visible to drivers during nighttime patrols. disappearance /dis-uh-PEER-uhns / [noun] – a state or condition in which a person or thing cannot be seen or found The detective was called in to investigate the mysterious disappearance of…
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World’s most expensive ice cream is from Japan

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©Cellato Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most expensive food you have tried? Do you think spending 880,000 yen for a scoop of ice cream is just right? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently studying for my exams, so I can’t go out tonight. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective] – made to look attractive She placed a decorative vase on the shelf as a centerpiece. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The airline takes strict measures to…
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Rise of highly sensitive parents

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a sensitive person? Why or why not? What do you think are some common traits or behaviors exhibited by sensitive parents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The car sped rapidly down the road, making it to the finish line in record time. sensitive /SEN-si-tiv/ [adjective] – easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry Sarah is a sensitive person who often feels deeply moved by the emotions of…
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Unveiling the enchanting power of rhythm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is rhythm? How do you personally experience or interact with rhythm in your own life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order During the fire drill, the students ran out of the classroom in chaos, unsure of where to go or what to do. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a…
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