Intermediate

Europe cuts down on short-haul flights, revives rail travel

2023年7月29日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which would you choose for short-distance travel: a plane or a train? Why? What are the advantages of traveling by plane? How about its disadvantages? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emission /ih-MISH-uhn/ [noun] – an amount of gas, heat, light, etc. that is sent out The new regulations aim to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and combat climate change. effectiveness /ih-FEK-tiv-nis/ [noun] – the degree to which something is effective The effectiveness of the sunscreen was evident as it protected the skin from harmful UV rays. usage /YOO-sij/ [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Australia takes bold steps to ban e-cigarettes

2023年7月28日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you or someone you know used vapes or e-cigarettes? Tell me about it. Do you think vaping is better than smoking cigarettes? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [verb] – to forbid or to refuse to allow something, especially officially Many companies ban smoking on their premises to promote a healthier work environment. therapeutic /ther-uh-PYOO-tik / [adjective] – relating to the curing of a disease or medical condition The spa offered a variety of therapeutic massages to promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being. addiction…
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Intermediate

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Sick restaurant workers linked to foodborne illness outbreaks, CDC study reveals

2023年7月27日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are foodborne illnesses? What measures do you take to ensure food safety? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/ [verb] – to be part of the reason why something happened The driver’s negligence and overspeeding contributed to the car accident. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political party Our refund policy allows customers to return or exchange items within…
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Intermediate

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Activists push to free bears from bile farms

2023年7月26日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is traditional Chinese medicine? Which animals do you know of that are used in this practice? Did you know that bile is collected from bears to be used as medicine? Would you be open to trying it? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. surgery /SUR-juh-ree/ [noun] – an occasion when a medical operation involving cutting open the body is performed on someone The surgeon performed a delicate surgery to repair a torn ligament in the athlete’s knee. profitable /PROF-i-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – making or likely to make…
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Intermediate

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Early morning wake-up tips to beat your alarm clock

2023年7月25日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you rely on an alarm clock to wake up in the morning, or do you typically wake up naturally? How do you establish your wake-up routine? Do you consistently wake up later or earlier than your alarm? If so, why do you think that is? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. disrupted /duh-SRUHP-tuhd/ [adjective] – something that is interrupted, disturbed, or thrown into disorder The disrupted schedule caused a lot of confusion among the students. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt / [adjective] – important or noticeable Winning the championship was a significant achievement…
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Intermediate

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Professional Tennis Athlete Disqualified from Match due to Unsportsmanlike Conduct

2023年7月24日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever watched a live tennis game? If so, how was your experience? If not, would you like to? Do you know any specific individuals who have been disqualified from a sport or competition? If so, please share the details of what happened. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [verb] – to refuse She politely declined the invitation to the party. frustration /fruh-STREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the feeling of being annoyed or less confident because you cannot achieve what you want, or something that makes you feel like this…
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Intermediate

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Titanic wreck replicated in groundbreaking underwater scanning project

2023年7月23日

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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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Intermediate

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New accessibility tools for iPhone and iPad set to aid disabled users

2023年7月22日

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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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Intermediate

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Horrifying train crashes due to signal failure

2023年7月21日

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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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Intermediate

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A film that foretold the future with astounding accuracy

2023年7月20日

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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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Intermediate

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