Intermediate

Google to block Canadian news in response to new media legislation

Google

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you usually stay updated on the latest news? What are some popular sources or platforms that people rely on for accessing news content? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – in some countries, the group of (usually) elected politicians or other people who make the laws for their country The members of parliament gather in the government building to discuss and make decisions about the new laws. block /blok/ [verb] – to prevent movement through something It was impossible for cars to pass through because a…
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What you need to know about ‘aspartame’

Aspartame

©U.S. FDA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which do you like more, sweet beverages or water? Why? What are some of your favorite sweet beverages? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substance /SUHB-stuhns / [noun] – material with particular physical characteristics Water is a substance that is transparent and flows easily. review /ri-VYOO/ [verb] – to think or talk about something again, in order to make changes to it or to make a decision about it I need to review my essay before submitting it to my teacher to make sure there are no mistakes. potential…
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The fascination with “ugly” animals

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©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think defines an animal as “ugly” in the eyes of humans? How does society’s perception of beauty influence our attitudes toward animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affection /uh-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a feeling of liking for a person or place Maria showed affection for her little sister by giving her a warm hug and a gentle smile. standard /STAN-derd / [noun] – a level of quality The teacher explained that it was important to follow the standard rules of grammar when writing an essay. appreciate…
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The fascinating story of Klimt’s “Lady with a Fan” painting

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©Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever tried painting before? If yes, what kind of painting did you do? If not, what do you think it would be like to paint? Can you name any famous painters from history? What do you know about their work or their style? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time During our science class, we will discover fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system. fancy /FAN-see/ [adjective] – decorative or…
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Virgin Galactic, Italian Air Force partner for commercial space mission

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©https://www.virgingalactic.com/ Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are commercial space missions? If you had the opportunity, would you go on one? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to work with someone else for a special purpose The research project required scientists from various fields to collaborate and share their expertise. upcoming /UHP-kuhm-ing/ [adjective] – happening soon The organization is holding a meeting to discuss the upcoming projects and set goals for the upcoming year. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve…
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Facebook Messenger’s new parental controls enhance child safety

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think parents should have access to their children’s Messenger? Why or why not? Would you feel safe if your parents had access to your social media? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. interaction /in-ter-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – an occasion when two or more people or things communicate with or react to each other In an online gaming community, players have the opportunity to engage in virtual interactions with individuals from all around the world. privacy /PRAHY-vuh-see/ [noun] – someone’s right to keep their personal matters and…
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Why are orcas suddenly ramming boats?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the general behavior of orcas in the wild, and how does this recent behavior differ? Do you think orcas are naturally aggressive? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /puhz-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something Solving the math problems on the test puzzled Sarah, but she kept trying her best to find the correct answers. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] – to examine a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The detective…
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Heatwaves in parts of Asia push human life to the edge of survival

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are heatwaves? How can heatwaves endanger human life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intense /in-TENS/ [adjective] – extreme and forceful or (of a feeling) very strong The intense focus and concentration of the students during the exam showed their determination to achieve high grades. surge /surj/ [noun] – a sudden and great increase The surge of support from the community allowed the non-profit organization to expand its services and reach more people in need. alongside /uh-LAWNG-SAHYD/ [preposition] – next to, or together with The new housing development was built…
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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

nuclear waste

©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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