Intermediate

Could potatoes and tomatoes power our lives?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common uses of potatoes and tomatoes in our daily lives? What is vegetable electricity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result When you bake a cake, it’s important to follow the process step by step to ensure it turns out delicious. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of recycling is to take old materials and turn them into something new instead of throwing them away. generate /JEN-uh-reyt/ [verb]…
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Amazon to bet big on ChatGPT tech

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you had the chance to use ChatGPT? How was the experience? Do you think technologies like ChatGPT can make our lives easier? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exception /ik-SEP-shuhn/ [noun] – someone or something that is not included in a rule, group, or list or that does not behave in the expected way I love all kinds of music, with the exception of heavy metal – it’s just not my thing. generate /JEN-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to cause something to exist A brainstorming session with colleagues…
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Meta reports increased user growth but declining profits

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Among all the social media platforms available, which one do you use most often? Do you think social media platforms should take advantage of artificial intelligence? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to guess or calculate the cost, size, value, etc. of something I will estimate the time it will take to complete the project. creation /kree-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of creating something, or the thing that is created The figurine’s creation took several weeks to complete, as the artist was meticulous…
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Unlocking Earth’s secrets

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the different layers of the earth, and how do they differ in composition and properties? What are some of the biggest mysteries that scientists are still trying to solve about the Earth’s geology? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diamond /DAHY-muhnd/ [noun] – a transparent, extremely hard precious stone that is used in jewelry, and in industry for cutting hard things I found a beautiful diamond on the beach while I was on vacation. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something The little…
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Glass vs plastic: Which one is truly better for the environment?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you use environmentally friendly products? Why or why not? What are some of the materials that could be used for packaging purposes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-ruh-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/ [adjective phrase] – not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment: My sister always uses an environmentally friendly water bottle to reduce plastic waste. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products to make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance…
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‘Godfather of AI’ quits Google, warns public of its potential danger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which areas of your life are enhanced by AI or artificial intelligence? Do you think people should be careful how they use AI? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact John was too shy to express his feelings for his crush, so he wrote a letter instead. independently /in-di-PEN-duhnt-lee/ [adverb] – without being influenced or controlled in any way by other people, events, or things The children were encouraged to think independently and come up with their…
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Ocean Census eyes discovery of new marine species

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How many marine species are you familiar with? Do you think it’s important to protect our oceans? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity The conservation of forests and other natural areas helps mitigate the effects of climate change. harm /hahrm/ [noun] – physical or other injury or damage The harm caused by the wildfire was devastating to the local community….
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Get inspired with awe-inspiring home facades

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is exterior design, and why is it essential? What are some of the latest trends in exterior design in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspiring /uhn-SPAI-uh-ruhng/ [adjective] – encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something Watching the Olympic athletes perform was very inspiring for the students in the audience. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way My friend has a unique talent for drawing cartoons that no one else can…
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The rise of understated yet luxurious style

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the definition of “luxury” changed over time? What is Stealth Luxe fashion and how is it different from traditional luxury fashion? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constantly /KON-stuhnt-lee/ [adverb] – all the time or often My little brother constantly asks me to play with him after school. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – intelligent or made in a complicated way and therefore able to do complicated tasks The new restaurant in town has a sophisticated ambiance with dim lights and fancy decorations. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea…
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Asian Elephant Habitat Loss Threatens Species Survival

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever had an encounter with an elephant? Tell me about it. If not, would you want to? Do you think humans have caused too much damage to Mother Nature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. habitat /HAB-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives The zookeepers built a special habitat for the lions with tall grass and rocks. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Due to a decline in enrollment, the…
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