Intermediate

Apple launches its most significant product

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the latest technology trends? If so, could you share your thoughts or experiences with it? Do you believe that Apple products are the best in the market? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. boast /bohst / [verb] – to speak too proudly or happily about what you have done or what you own The company likes to boast about its superior customer service and satisfaction ratings. justify /JUHS-tuh-fahy / [verb] – to give or to be a good reason for The athlete justified…
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New Study: New York City Sinking Due to Million-Plus Buildings

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what comes to mind when you think about it? Would you like to live or work in New York someday? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The teacher’s instructions were significant in guiding the students through the classroom activities. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot / [verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens The excessive use of plastic contributes to environmental pollution. tackle /TAK-uhl/ [verb] – to try to deal…
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NASA: Saturn’s rings may vanish

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with the planet Saturn? What do you know about it? If you were going to describe Saturn to a blind person, how would you describe it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be seen The police officer wore a reflective vest to ensure they were visible to drivers during nighttime patrols. disappearance /dis-uh-PEER-uhns / [noun] – a state or condition in which a person or thing cannot be seen or found The detective was called in to investigate the mysterious disappearance of…
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World’s most expensive ice cream is from Japan

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©Cellato Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most expensive food you have tried? Do you think spending 880,000 yen for a scoop of ice cream is just right? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently studying for my exams, so I can’t go out tonight. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective] – made to look attractive She placed a decorative vase on the shelf as a centerpiece. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen The airline takes strict measures to…
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Rise of highly sensitive parents

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a sensitive person? Why or why not? What do you think are some common traits or behaviors exhibited by sensitive parents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapidly /RAP-id-lee/ [adverb] – in a fast or sudden way The car sped rapidly down the road, making it to the finish line in record time. sensitive /SEN-si-tiv/ [adjective] – easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry Sarah is a sensitive person who often feels deeply moved by the emotions of…
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Unveiling the enchanting power of rhythm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is rhythm? How do you personally experience or interact with rhythm in your own life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chaos /KEY-os/ [noun] – a state of total confusion with no order During the fire drill, the students ran out of the classroom in chaos, unsure of where to go or what to do. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a…
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Shyness: An experience for all

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about shyness and its effect on children? Have you ever experienced shyness during your childhood? If so, can you explain your experience? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. indicate /IN-di-keyt/ [verb] – to show, point, or make clear in another way The weather forecast indicates that there will be heavy rain tomorrow. moreover /mawr-OH-ver/ [adverb] – (used to add information) also and more importantly The concert tickets were sold out. Moreover, the band announced an additional show the following week. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or…
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Comedian’s Army-Themed Joke Leads to $2 Million Fine in China

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of stand-up comedy? What do you know about it? What do you think about using humor to talk about sensitive or controversial subjects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The manager will implement a new dress code policy for the office next week. prohibit /proh-HIB-it / [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building. sentenced /SEN-tnst/ [adjective] – referring to a person who has been officially declared guilty of…
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Social media app filters and AI reshape self-representation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you used apps that use technology to enhance your photos and videos? How was your experience? In what ways do those apps affect how you think of yourself? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Using a moisturizer can enhance the appearance and texture of your skin. acceptance /ak-SEP-tuhns / [noun] – general agreement that something is satisfactory or right, or that someone should be included in a group The cultural diversity program promotes acceptance and understanding among…
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Chefs push for better image for MSG

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©FASTILY, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you familiar with how other people perceive the use of monosodium glutamate? Tell me about it. Would you eat food with MSG? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. embrace /em-BREYS/ [verb] – to accept something enthusiastically They embraced the idea of a healthier lifestyle and started exercising regularly and eating nutritious meals. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something The use of vibrant colors in the artwork helps to enhance its visual…
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