Intermediate

New Zealand plans to eliminate rats for wildlife conservation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In what ways, if any, do you think rats can be beneficial to humans? Do you believe that rats should be eliminated from certain environments? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gather /GATH-er/ [verb] – When people or animals gather, they come together in a group During the school field trip, we gathered at the entrance of the museum before exploring together as a group. determination /dih-tur-muh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult Despite facing numerous challenges, she…
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Finland’s innovative solution for nuclear waste

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©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the major challenges associated with nuclear waste disposal? What are the potential environmental and health risks associated with improper nuclear waste management? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. impressive /im-PRE S-iv / [adjective] – If an object or achievement is impressive, you admire or respect it, usually because it is special, important, or very large The students were amazed by the impressive science experiment conducted by their classmates, as it showcased a remarkable display of colorful chemical reactions. disposal /dih-SPOH-zuhl/ [noun] – the act of getting rid…
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Race against extinction: Indochina leopards need immediate protection

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a leopard? Why are leopards important to the ecosystem? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extinction /ik-STINGK-shuhn / [noun] – a situation in which something no longer exists The relentless hunting of elephants has put them on the brink of extinction. comprehensive /kom-pri-HEN-siv/ [adjective] – complete and including everything that is necessary The comprehensive guidebook provided detailed instructions and step-by-step procedures to help users navigate through the complex software. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem The nonprofit organization launched…
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Chick-fil-A pilots novel drive-thru concept with urban planning principles

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©Chick-fil-A Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you purchase food from drive-thrus? How long should a drive-thru transaction last? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. principle /PRIN-suh-puhl/ [noun] – a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works The principle of supply and demand dictates that prices tend to increase when demand exceeds supply and decrease when supply exceeds demand. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Applying a moisturizer can enhance the appearance and texture of the skin, making it look smoother…
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Elton John’s unforgettable farewell at Glastonbury

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©BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most memorable concert or live performance you have attended? Who do you consider an iconic figure in the music industry? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. icon /AHY-kon/ [noun] – a very famous person or thing considered as representing a set of beliefs or a way of life Michael Jackson is regarded as a cultural icon for his groundbreaking music. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The students’ performance in the school play was remarkable. cheer /cheer/ [verb] – to…
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Exploring the potential of firefighting drones to tackle wildfires

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©ADAI/University of Coimbra Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the main challenges faced by firefighters when combating wildfires, and how can drones potentially address those challenges? What are the benefits of using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras in wildfire scenarios? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed It is important to preserve our natural resources, such as trees and water, to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. spread /spred/…
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FDA approves Sarepta’s Viltolarsen: a milestone for muscular dystrophy treatment

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©NS Pharma Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a ‘rare disease’? Which rare diseases do you know of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approval /uh-PROO-vuhl/ [noun] – official permission The financial expenditure must be within budget limits and require the manager’s approval before any funds can be allocated. drug /druhg/ [noun] – any natural or artificially made chemical that is used as a medicine The pharmacist carefully dispensed the prescribed drug, providing instructions on dosage and potential side effects. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test, usually over a limited period of time, to discover…
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Mid-career workers pursuing their dream jobs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common challenges that mid-career workers face when pursuing their dream jobs? What factors might motivate mid-career workers to pursue their dream jobs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chase /cheys/ [verb] – to try to get something that is difficult to get or achieve The ambitious student chased after their dream of becoming a doctor, working hard and studying diligently to achieve their goal. bravery /BREY-vuh-ree/ [noun] – brave behavior or actions Despite feeling scared, Sarah summoned up her bravery and stood up to the bully, defending her…
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Disney+ considers price increase due to UK laws

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©comicbook Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the popular streaming services in your country? What do you enjoy most about using streaming services? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. proposed /pruh-POHZD/ [adjective] – suggested as a possible plan or action for people to consider The teacher discussed the proposed field trip to the zoo with the students. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient The consequence of not studying for the exam is that you may receive a lower grade. oppose /uh-POHZ/…
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Discovering ocean submersibles

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the major challenges scientists face when exploring the depths of the ocean? What are the different methods and technologies used in ocean exploration? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /uhn-SHUR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen: Before leaving the house, Maria always double-checks her bag to ensure that she has her keys, phone, and wallet with her. utmost /UHT-mohst/ [adjective] – used to emphasize how important or serious something is: The lifeguard at the pool takes the safety of swimmers with the utmost seriousness,…
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