Intermediate

AI.com shifts focus from ChatGPT to Elon Musk’s X.AI

2023年12月15日

chatgpt-gdd938512d_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Elon Musk? How do you find ChatGPT useful in your interactions or tasks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acquiring /uh-KWAI-uh-ruhng/ [gerund] – represents the action of obtaining or gaining something Her acquisition of new skills helped her secure a better job. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of democracy emphasizes the importance of citizens’ participation in decision-making. motive /MOH-tiv/ [noun] – a reason for doing something The detective was determined to uncover the suspect’s motive behind the crime. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective]…
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Intermediate

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Canadian Rockies reveal ancient jellyfish species

2023年12月14日

Jellyfish

©Christian-McCall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe jellyfish and their distinctive features? Are you interested in seeing fossils of ancient marine creatures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other Conservation efforts are focused on protecting endangered species from extinction. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn/ [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The Galápagos Islands played a significant role in…
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Intermediate

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French Rothschild family unveils hidden 19th-century treasure trove

2023年12月13日

Rothchild

©Christie’s Images Limited 2023 Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of an auction? What do you know about it? What kinds of items do you think can be sold at an auction? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ceramics /suh-RAM-iks / [noun] – objects, such as pottery or porcelain, made of clay and baked at high temperatures, often used for decorative or functional purposes She collected beautiful ceramics from different countries. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – extremely surprising or impressive; causing amazement The magician’s tricks were astonishing, leaving the audience in awe. cameo /KAM-ee-oh/…
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Intermediate

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Leprosy surges in Central Florida, report says

2023年12月12日

Leprosy

©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is ‘leprosy’? What diseases or illnesses tend to have localized outbreaks in specific regions of your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. absence /AB-suhns/ [noun] – the lack or nonexistence of common risk factors The absence of any warning signs led to the unexpected outcome of the experiment. nerve /nurv/ [noun] – a group of long, thin fibres (= structures like threads) that carry information or instructions between the brain and other parts of the body Damage to the nerve can lead to numbness and tingling in the…
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Intermediate

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Arabica coffee struggles due to unpredictable climate shifts

2023年12月11日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of coffee are you familiar with? What is your favorite type of coffee, and how often do you drink it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – not known or fixed, or not completely certain The outcome of the experiment is still uncertain as we await the final results. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone She decided to tackle the challenging project head-on, determined to find a solution. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence…
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Intermediate

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England’s national soccer team secures Euro 2024 spot with stunning victory over Italy

2023年12月10日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever watched or followed a sports tournament? If so, which one? How do you feel when your favorite team or athlete competes in a tournament? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victory /VIK-tuh-ree/ [noun] – the act of winning or being successful in a competition, game, or battle After a hard-fought match, their team celebrated their victory with cheers and applause. guarantee /gar-uhn-TEE/ [verb] – to promise or assure that something will happen or be provided, often with certainty The manufacturer guarantees the quality of this product with a…
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Intermediate

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AI breakthrough reveals ancient scrolls’ secrets

2023年12月9日

ai

©Brent Seales Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘artificial intelligence’ means? How do you imagine AI might be used in our daily lives or in various industries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found The archaeological team’s exciting discovery of ancient artifacts sheds new light on the history of the region. enable /en-EY-buhl / [verb] – to make someone able to do something or to make something possible The…
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Intermediate

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Rudie van Vuuren competes in Cricket and Rugby World Cups

2023年12月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite sport, and why do you enjoy it? Can you name some famous athletes or sports personalities you admire? Why do you look up to them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/ [adjective] – in danger of becoming extinct or disappearing from the Earth. Refers to species or animals at risk of no longer existing The panda is an endangered species, and conservation efforts are in place to protect its habitat. tribe /trahyb/ [noun] – a social group or community of people who share a common…
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Intermediate

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FDA considers ban on hair-straightening products linked to health risks

2023年12月7日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In your experience or knowledge, is straightening hair a common hair treatment in your country? Could you share some details or practices associated with it? Besides hair straightening, what other common hair treatments or practices do you often come across or use in your region or community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening The government issued a ban on smoking in public places. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you…
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Intermediate

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Composer behind Squid Game and Parasite shares the secret to his award-winning music

2023年12月6日

Jung Jail

©KCCUK Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the role of music in movies is? How can music contribute to the overall storytelling of a film? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. composer /kuhm-POH-zer / [noun] – a person who writes music The composer worked tirelessly to create a beautiful symphony that would touch the hearts of many. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a widespread and intense surge of popularity or excitement Her unexpected performance at the talent show became a sensation, leaving the audience in awe. soundtrack /SOUND-trak/ [noun] – the sounds, especially the…
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Intermediate

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