Intermediate

Freshwater biodiversity faces crisis and demands urgent conservation

freshwater

©Michel Roggo/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some species of animals are at risk of disappearing? What do you think are the most important things we should do to protect nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – danger or risk Natural disasters are among the biggest threats to public safety. dam /dam/ [noun] – a structure built to hold back water, often to create a storage area The dam was built to prevent flooding in the valley. water extraction /WOT-er ik-STRAK-shuhn/ [noun phrase] – the…
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Mass evacuations underway as devastating fire sweeps Hollywood Hills

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons a fire might start in a forest or city? What would you do if firefighters weren’t able to stop a fire in your area? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncontrollably /uhn-kuhn-TROW-luh-blee/ [adverb] – in a way that cannot be controlled or stopped The fire spread uncontrollably across the dry land. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal The team developed a new strategy to win the game. specialist /SPESH-uh-list/ [noun] – a person who has a lot of knowledge…
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Golden Globes 2025 celebrates Shogun and Hacks with historic wins

Shogun

©REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could create a TV show about your own country, what would it be about? What qualities do you think make a good actor or actress? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. complex /kuhm-PLEKS/ [adjective] – difficult to understand or find an answer to because of having many different parts The problem was too complex for us to solve quickly. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – plans of action or policies designed to achieve a goal The coach used different strategies to motivate the team. category /KAT-i-gawr-ee/ [noun] – a…
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Severe winter storm disrupts U.S. travel, brings freezing temperatures and snow

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think might cause extreme weather like a severe snowstorm? What safety measures should people take during a winter storm? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severe /suh-VEER/ [adjective] – very bad or serious The severe heat made it difficult to work outside. impact /im-PAKT/ [verb] – to have a strong effect on something The bad weather impacted the farmers’ crops. region /REE-juhn/ [noun] – a large area of a country or the world This region is known for its beautiful mountains. meteorologist /mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a scientist who…
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Middle Jurassic footprints reveal insights in Oxfordshire quarry

Dino

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs, what would you want to see? Why do you think scientists are still interested in dinosaurs, even though they don’t exist anymore? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. footprint /FOOT-print/ [noun] – mark or impression left by a foot or feet The muddy footprints led straight to the front door. scientifically /sai-uhn-TI-fi-kuh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that relates to science, or uses the methods of science The new drug was scientifically tested before being approved for use. excavation…
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South Korean team develops robotic exoskeleton to aid paraplegic mobility

paraplegic

©REUTERS/Sebin Choi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could invent a device to help someone, what would it do? How do you think people feel when they overcome a challenge with the help of technology? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. paraplegic /par-uh-PLEE-jik/ [adjective] – unable to move or feel the legs or lower part of the body As a paraplegic individual, he uses a wheelchair to move around. navigate /NAV-i-geyt/ [verb] – to find a way or direct a course, often using a map or other tools Pilots must be trained to navigate through…
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Smithfield Market faces uncertain future

Market

©REUTERS/Hannah McKay Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people enjoy participating in events like auctions, especially during the holiday season? How would you feel if a special tradition you enjoy was moved to a new location? Would it still be as exciting? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. uncertain /uhn-SUR-tn/ [adjective] – unclear, or not sure His future in the company seems uncertain after the recent layoffs. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – absolutely necessary or essential Water is vital for human survival. charm /chahrm/ [noun] – a quality that attracts,…
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FDA launches nationwide review of phenylephrine in over-the-counter decongestants

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about how medicine ingredients are reviewed for safety? Why is it important for a medicine to be tested again even if it’s been used for years? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decongestant /dee-kuhn-JES-tuhnt/ [noun] – a type of medicine used to relieve blocked noses or sinuses The doctor gave me a decongestant to clear my nose. effectively /ih-FEK-tiv-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that produces the intended result The medicine worked effectively to treat my cold. relieve /ri-LEEV/ [verb] – to make something less painful or…
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Netflix makes historic NFL debut with global broadcast of Christmas Day games

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know what kind of content Netflix offers? If so, what kind of content do you like watching on Netflix? If not, would you like to try it? Have you heard that Netflix is showing live sports events now? If so, what sports would you like to see on Netflix? If not, do you think this is a good idea? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. triumph /TRAHY-uhmf/ [verb] – to achieve a great victory or success The team triumphed in the final match of the tournament. analyst /AN-l-ist/ [noun]…
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FDA introduces stricter guidelines for ‘healthy’ food labels to improve public health

grocery

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “healthy food” mean to you? Can you think of a food you like that might not be labeled as “healthy”? Why do you think that is? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. packaged /PA-kuhjd/ [adjective] – sold in a package She prefers to buy packaged snacks because they are more convenient for her busy schedule. definition /def-uh-NISH-uhn/ [noun] – a statement that explains the meaning of a word or concept The teacher asked the students to write a definition of the new vocabulary word. sodium /SOH-dee-uhm/ [noun] – a…
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