Intermediate

Singapore considers world’s first law against cancel culture

©Narih Lee, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with “cancel culture”? Describe it to me. Do you think “cancel culture” is a healthy way of online interaction? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. perceived /per-SEEVD/ [adjective] – seen or noticed as His quiet demeanor was often perceived as shyness, but in reality, he was just reserved. campaign /kam-PEYN/ [noun] – a planned group of especially political, business, or military activities that are intended to achieve a particular aim The social media campaign aimed…
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Lion killings spark urgent action in southern Kenya

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which wild animals are you familiar with? Do you think people and wild animals can live together in harmony? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trigger /TRIG-er/ [verb] – to cause something to start The smell of freshly baked cookies triggers happy childhood memories. scarce /skairs/ [adjective] – not easy to find or get The natural disaster caused widespread damage to crops, making fresh produce scarce in the local markets. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden and great increase The hospital saw a surge in patients during…
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How restaurants could address the global jellyfish conundrum

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever tried any unusual or unique foods? Could you tell me about them? What do you think might be the challenges or benefits of incorporating jellyfish into culinary dishes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nuisance /NOO-suhns/ [noun] – something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you The constant buzzing of mosquitoes during our picnic was quite a nuisance. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – traditional and ordinary In our society, it is conventional to shake hands when you meet someone for the first time. concept /KON-sept/ [noun]…
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The transformative power of AI in the modern workplace

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of using AI in the workplace? How has artificial intelligence (AI) impacted the modern workplace? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. creativity /kree-ey-TIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas Using their creativity, the students painted vibrant pictures that expressed their unique ideas and imaginations. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct The students measured the ingredients with accuracy to ensure that their recipe turned out delicious and perfectly balanced. complex /KOM-pleks/ [adjective] – difficult to understand or…
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APA calls for safer social media experience for teens

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think teenagers should be allowed to use social media? Why or why not? Do you think social media training can help minimize the negative effects of social media on teenagers? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. literacy /LIT-er-uh-see/ [noun] – knowledge of a particular subject, or a particular type of knowledge Financial literacy is crucial for making informed decisions about money management. supervision /soo-per-VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – the act of watching a person or activity and making certain that everything is done correctly, safely, etc. The…
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French company offers fine dining on the edge of space

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have an unforgettable dining experience? Tell me about it. If you were asked to enhance a dining experience, what feature would you add? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. innovative /IN-uh-vey-tiv/ [adjective] – using new methods or ideas The innovative teaching methods employed by the teacher made the classroom experience engaging and interactive for the students. twist /twist/ [noun] – a change in the way in which something happens The movie had an unexpected twist in the plot, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. partially /PAHR-shuh-lee/…
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Africa’s remote geological wonder

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©Hemis/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of any geological wonders before? If so, which ones? What do you think makes a geological wonder unique or special? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. awe-inspiring /AW-in-spahyuhr-ing/ [adjective] – causing you to feel great respect or admiration The students stood in front of the grand statue, their eyes wide with awe-inspiring admiration as they marveled at its majestic beauty. jewel /JOO-uhl/ [noun] – a precious stone that is used to decorate valuable objects The teacher held up a small, sparkling jewel for the students to…
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Exploring the profound influence of horror stories on human instincts and resilience

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some different genres of movies, and which one is your favorite? What was your first experience watching a horror movie, and how did it make you feel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tale /teyl/ [noun] – a story, especially one that might be invented or difficult to believe In the ancient village, the elders would gather around the fire to share tales of bravery and adventure. darkness /DAHRK-nis/ [noun] – the quality of being without light, or a situation in which there is little or no light As…
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Google unveils cutting-edge foldable phone and AI-powered tablet in latest product lineup

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©Mike Andronico/CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a dream smartphone? Tell me more about it. What new smartphone features can make you spend a lot on a purchase? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. factor /FAK-ter / [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The weather was a significant factor in our decision to postpone the outdoor event. upgrade /UHP-greyd/ [noun] – a piece of software or equipment that improves the quality or usefulness of a computer or machine The computer company released a new upgrade for their…
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Canine hero recognized for saving man’s life in Japan

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©Chiba Riding Park Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you believe animals have a sixth sense or heightened instincts that allow them to perceive and respond to emergencies better than humans? Why or why not? Have you ever personally been involved in or witnessed a situation where an animal played a crucial role in someone’s rescue or well-being? How did it impact your perspective on the intelligence and empathy of animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The speaker delivered a remarkable presentation…
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