Intermediate

The progressive city that few are aware of

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a progressive city? What are some benefits of living in a progressive city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. progressive /pruh-GRES-iv/ [adjective] – developing or happening gradually In a progressive society, everyone should have equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background. equality /ih-KWOL-i-tee / [noun] – the right of different groups of people to have a similar social position and receive the same treatment Equality means treating everyone with the same level of respect and providing them with the same opportunities, regardless of their differences. dynamic /dahy-NAM-ik/…
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What are the countries that families choose to move to?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why families might choose to move to another country? What are some of the most popular countries that families move to, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thrilling /THRIL-ing/ [adjective] – extremely exciting The roller coaster ride was thrilling with its sudden drops and sharp turns, causing my heart to race and my body to feel weightless. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The lack of exercise is a significant factor in the development of health problems…
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Cities designed to be reusable

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean to disassemble a city? Have you ever heard of this concept before? What are some reasons why a city might need to be disassembled? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you feel worried I have a concern about the safety of the playground equipment, and I think we should inspect it before the children start playing on it. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more…
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Why is vinegar so effective at cleaning?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think vinegar is an effective cleaner? How would you describe the smell of vinegar when used for cleaning? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chore /chawr/ [noun] – a job or piece of work that is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done regularly I don’t enjoy doing my laundry because it feels like such a chore; it takes a lot of time and effort to sort, wash, and fold all my clothes. dissolve /dih-ZOLV/ [verb] – (of a solid) to be absorbed by a liquid, especially…
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How climate change threatens ski resort shutdowns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of activities can you do at a ski resort? What is your favorite thing about skiing at a resort? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. melt /melt/ [verb] – to turn from something solid into something soft or liquid, or to cause something to do this After leaving the ice cream in the sun for too long, it began to melt and turned into a sticky mess. long term /LAWNG-turm/ [noun] – happening, existing, or continuing for many years or far into the future Regular exercise is important for…
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The university that changed the world was Nalanda

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What subjects do you enjoy learning about the most? Do you think it’s important to continue learning throughout your life, even after you finish school? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – A residential building is one in which people live My aunt lives in a residential neighborhood where the houses are all very close together, and they all have small yards. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to continue to exist for a long time The Great Pyramids of Egypt have endured for over 4,500…
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The natural “medication for the soul” of Greenland

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite outdoor activity to do in nature? Could you tell me about it? Do you enjoy going for walks or hikes in the forest? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remedy /REM-i-dee / [noun] – a successful way of curing an illness or dealing with a problem or difficulty When I have a headache, I usually take aspirin as a remedy to make the pain go away. boost /boost/ [verb] – to increase or improve something Drinking orange juice can help boost your immune…
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Iran: The surprising origins of the postal service

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever sent a letter or a postcard to someone? Could you tell me about it? Do you think postal services will become less important in the future with the rise of digital communication? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or cause of something The origin of the universe is a fascinating topic to explore in science class. institution /in-sti-TOO-shuhn/ [noun] – a custom or tradition that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a particular society…
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The increasing popularity of “Relaxed Minimalism”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How have you implemented minimalism in your home? Have you noticed any changes in your daily life because of it? Do you think a minimalist home can be cozy and welcoming, or does it tend to feel sterile and empty? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pace /peys/ [noun] – the speed at which somebody or something is moving When studying for an exam, it is important to set a comfortable pace for yourself so that you can absorb the material without feeling overwhelmed. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/ [noun] – the quality of…
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Can clothes ever be recycled completely?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you recycle your clothes? If so, how often do you do it? If not, why not? How can recycling clothes help the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pollute /puh-LOOT/ [verb] – to make an area or substance, usually air, water, or soil, dirty or harmful to people, animals, and plants, especially by adding harmful chemicals Bicycling doesn’t pollute the air. make a difference /meyk uh DIF-er-uhns/ [idiom] – to improve a situation Careful planning and preparation make a difference. task /task/ [noun] – a piece of work to…
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