Intermediate

Webb telescope spots signs of concealed planets

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you find other planets interesting? Why or why not? Do you know of other planets aside from the ones in our solar system? Tell me about them. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. telescope /TEL-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a cylinder-shaped device for making objects that are far away look closer and larger, using a combination of lenses, or lenses and curved mirrors The scientist used the telescope to study the behavior of the stars in the night sky. extend /ik-STEND/ [verb] – to reach, stretch, or continue The river extends for…
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Unlocking the power of genetics

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How are traits passed down from one generation to another? What is genetics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. genetics /juh-NET-iks/ [noun] – the study of how, in all living things, the characteristics and qualities of parents are given to their children by their genes Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down from parents to their children through their DNA. link /lingk/ [verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas The new highway will link the two cities, making it easier and…
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Balancing autonomy and community in a post-pandemic world

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like working in the office? Why or why not? What do you know about the hybrid work model? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective] – far away in distance We took a trip to a remote island where there were no roads or cars, and we had to walk or take a boat to get around. combine /kuhm-BAHYN/ [verb] – to (cause to) exist together, or join together to make a single thing or group In cooking class, we learned how to combine different ingredients like…
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NASA launches TROPICS mission to upgrade hurricane forecasting

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you watch weather forecasts? Why or why not? Do you think the weather and climate forecasts that we now have are accurate? What could be improved? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem Sarah showed great initiative by organizing a community clean-up event, gathering volunteers and cleaning supplies to make a positive impact on the neighborhood. subsequent /SUHB-si-kwuhnt/ [adjective] – happening after something else After the heavy rain, subsequent flooding occurred, causing road closures and…
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Tech startup boosts dairy industry with ‘Fitbit’ for cows

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you worn Fitbits or smartwatches? How was the experience?  Do you think wearable devices could be useful in other areas of our lives? Which one do you have in mind? 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 startup introduced a game-changing app that simplifies everyday tasks and enhances productivity. reminder /ri-MAYHN-der/ [noun] – a written or spoken message that reminds someone to do something The sticky note on the fridge served as a helpful reminder for Mark to pay his…
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The ultra-low-carbon lifestyle trend taking the world by storm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint and living a more sustainable life? Why or why not? Do you think that living an ultra-low-carbon lifestyle is more expensive than a traditional lifestyle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thoughtful /THAWT-fuhl/ [adjective ] – carefully considering things My teacher was very thoughtful when she took the time to explain the lesson to me again, even though I had already asked her several times. lifestyle /LAHYF-stahyl / [noun] – someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of…
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China’s 2200-year-old Burger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the burger evolved over time? What are the typical ingredients in burgers in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting Learning about ancient Egypt is fascinating because of the incredible pyramids and fascinating hieroglyphics. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – used to describe the particular way in which something started to exist or someone started their life The origin of pizza can be traced back to Italy, where it was first made with simple ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. mouth-watering /MOUTH-waw-ter-ing/ [adjective] – (of…
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Australia turns down proposed coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have natural wonders in your country that the government protects? Tell me about it. Do you think these natural wonders are worth preserving? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coal /kohl/ [noun] – a hard, black substance that is dug from the earth in pieces, and can be burned to produce heat or power, or a single piece of this Coal is a fossil fuel that is often used for heating homes and generating electricity. diverse /dahy-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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Endangered turtle species find safe haven in Hong Kong

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered animal do you know of? Do you think ordinary people can save endangered animals? Why or why not? 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 Climate change is causing many animals to face the threat of extinction. exotic /ig-ZOT-ik / [adjective] – unusual and specially interesting because of coming from a country that is far away My friend brought back an exotic bird from her trip to South America. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that…
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Why AI won’t replace creative, social, and physical jobs anytime soon

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the definition of AI? What are some examples of creative jobs that require a human touch? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emotional intelligence /ih-MOH-shuh-nl in-TEL-i-juhns/ [noun phrase] – the ability to understand the way people feel and react and to use this skill to make good judgments and to avoid or solve problems Having emotional intelligence means being aware of your own feelings and how they affect others. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time Currently, I am studying English, but I used to study Spanish in…
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