Intermediate

The amazing floating highway: A journey like no other

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©Johnny Stockshooter/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a floating highway, and how does it differ from traditional highways built on land? What are the potential benefits of constructing a floating highway? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. overseas /oh-ver-SEEZ/ [adjective] – in, from, or to other countries Last summer, my cousin had an exciting adventure when she traveled overseas to visit her grandmother in a faraway country. stunning /STUHN-ing/ [adjective] – extremely beautiful or attractive: During our school trip to the national park, we were all amazed by the stunning view of the mountains…
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Ocean warming surges in UK and Ireland

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “climate change” mean to you? What are examples of climate change phenomena that you are familiar with? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significantly /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is easy to see or by a large amount The research findings significantly contributed to our understanding of the disease. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening Swimming in rough waters poses a risk to inexperienced swimmers. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very large in amount or degree The extreme heatwave caused discomfort and…
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Super-engineered vaccines conquer all polio variants

A child receives a polio vaccine during the regular vaccination program at the Batasan Hills Super Health Center in Quezon City, Philippines, on December 15, 2020.

©ADB SEADS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about polio? How do you think polio is prevented or treated? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. upgraded /uhp-GRAY-duhd/ [adjective] – something that has been improved or enhanced compared to its previous version I recently purchased an upgraded smartphone that has a faster processor and a higher-resolution camera. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or noticeable Her contribution to the project was significant, as she brought valuable insights and expertise to the team. worldwide /wurld-wahyd/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts of the…
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How your swimwear color can protect you from dangers

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does the color of swimwear impact visibility in various water environments? What are the potential dangers that swimwear color can help protect against? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stand out /STAND out / [phrasal verb] – to be very noticeable In our school talent show, Lisa’s exceptional singing voice helped her stand out among the other performers. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – possibly My brother’s hard work and dedication could potentially lead to him achieving his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. practical /PRAK-ti-kuhl / [adjective] – suitable for…
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Ireland launches home grant program to promote sustainable tourism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the opportunity, would you visit Ireland? Why or why not? Have you experienced staying in a home rental instead of a hotel while on a trip? How was the experience? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. upgrade /uhp-GREYD/ [verb] – to improve the quality or usefulness of something, or change it for something newer or of a better standard The company decided to upgrade its computer systems to improve efficiency and enhance data security. standard /STAN-derd/ [noun] – a pattern or model that is generally accepted The software developer…
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Europe spearheads AI regulation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you use AI in your daily life? Do you think there should be laws to regulate the use of AI? 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 comprehensive report covered all aspects of the research study, including methodology, findings, and analysis. guideline /GAHYD-lahyn/ [noun] – information intended to advise people on how something should be done or what something should be The government agency developed guidelines for food labeling to provide accurate information to…
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Unveiling the mysteries of shipwrecks

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a shipwreck before? What do you think a shipwreck is? What dangers do you think sailors face when traveling by sea? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treasure /TREZHh-er/ [noun] – very valuable things, usually in the form of a store of precious metals, precious stones, or money In their exciting adventure, the young explorers discovered an old map that led them to a hidden treasure buried deep in the forest. tragedy /TRAJ-i-dee / [noun] – a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death…
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Wildlife advocates release endangered cat species into the wild

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered species are you familiar with? In what ways do different organizations try to save these species? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ambitious /am-BISH-uhs/ [adjective] – If a plan or idea is ambitious, it needs a great amount of skill and effort to be successful or be achieved The ambitious project aimed to revolutionize the way renewable energy is generated and utilized. habitat /HAB-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives The coral reef is a diverse and vibrant habitat for a wide…
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Consensus-driven senate bill aims to strengthen export controls on TikTok

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the social media app TikTok? Do you use it? Tell me about it. Do you think it is safe to use TikTok? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. misuse /mis-YOOS/ [noun] – an occasion when something is used in an unsuitable way or in a way that was not intended The teacher warned the students about the potential misuse of social media and the importance of responsible online behavior. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make…
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Don’t fear the AI: World domination is not happening

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe AI (artificial intelligence) in your own words, based on your understanding? In what areas or fields do we commonly use AI? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The finish line of the marathon seemed distant, motivating the runners to push harder. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to Anna’s passionate speech emphasizes the need for immediate action on climate change. artificial /ahr-tuh-FISH-uhl/ [adjective] – made by people, often as a copy of…
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