Intermediate

Get inspired with awe-inspiring home facades

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is exterior design, and why is it essential? What are some of the latest trends in exterior design in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiring /uhn-SPAI-uh-ruhng/ [adjective] – encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something Watching the Olympic athletes perform was very inspiring for the students in the audience. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way My friend has a unique talent for drawing cartoons that no one else can…
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The rise of understated yet luxurious style

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the definition of “luxury” changed over time? What is Stealth Luxe fashion and how is it different from traditional luxury fashion? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constantly /KON-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – all the time or often My little brother constantly asks me to play with him after school. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – intelligent or made in a complicated way and therefore able to do complicated tasks The new restaurant in town has a sophisticated ambiance with dim lights and fancy decorations. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea…
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Asian Elephant Habitat Loss Threatens Species Survival

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever had an encounter with an elephant? Tell me about it. If not, would you want to? Do you think humans have caused too much damage to Mother Nature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. habitat /HAB-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives The zookeepers built a special habitat for the lions with tall grass and rocks. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Due to a decline in enrollment, the…
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Japanese company’s private moon landing likely ended in crash

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If given the opportunity, would you like to go to the moon? Why or why not? Do you think humans are soon to reach the level of technology necessary to make living on the moon possible? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The scientist used a microscope to study the surface of the cell and its intricate structures. acquire /uh-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] – to get or obtain something The language learner was able to acquire fluency through immersion in…
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Recovering lost treasures and advocating for preservation

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©Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people go to such great lengths to find lost treasures? Why is it important to preserve historical artifacts and treasures for future generations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stretch /strech/ [verb] – to cause something to reach, often as far as possible, in a particular direction After sitting for a long time at their desks, the students decided to stand up and stretch their arms and legs to help them feel more awake and focused. loss /laws/ [noun] – a situation in…
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Protein Powders: Are They Right for You?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of using powder supplements? What should a person know before starting a powder supplement regimen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. recovery /ri-KUHV-uh-ree / [noun] – the process of becoming well again after an illness or injury After injuring his leg, he took a week off from running to allow for a proper recovery. adequate /AD-i-kwit/ [adjective] – enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose She made sure to drink adequate water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make…
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Netflix to double down on South Korea with $2.5B investment

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you stream movies and other shows through Netflix? What are your favorite shows? Are you familiar with K-dramas and other Korean shows? Do you enjoy watching them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/ [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something, or the fact of promising something The president’s commitment to reducing crime rates in the city has led to the implementation of several new policies and programs. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Access to clean water is crucial for the survival of…
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Study links frequent fried food consumption to higher risk of anxiety and depression

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which fried foods do you enjoy the most? Do you have a healthy diet? Tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. associate /uh-SOH-shee-eyt/ [verb] – to think about something as being connected to something else The child has associated the sound of the doorbell with the arrival of the mailman. anxiety /ang-ZAHY-i-tee/ [noun] – an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening or might happen in the future She felt a knot in her stomach and a sense of anxiety as she waited…
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Unveiling the Roman Empire’s Hidden Treasure

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©Hans Georg Roth/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are archaeological sites, and why are they important? What are some of the most famous archaeological sites you know of in the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [noun] – the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this My parents’ advice has a great influence on my decisions, especially when it comes to important matters like choosing a career path. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen, especially an…
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Sneakers: From sports shoes to fashion statement

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the leading brands of sneakers, and what makes them stand out? What are some of the latest trends in sneaker culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. athletic /ath-LET-ik / [adjective] – relating to sports or physical exercise Lucas is a very athletic boy who loves to play soccer and run around the park with his friends. capture the heart of /KAP-cher thuh hahrt uhv/ [idiom] – to gain the love, affection, or admiration of someone Sofia’s beautiful singing voice and heartfelt lyrics helped her capture the…
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