Intermediate

Tech startup boosts dairy industry with ‘Fitbit’ for cows

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you worn Fitbits or smartwatches? How was the experience?  Do you think wearable devices could be useful in other areas of our lives? Which one do you have in mind? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. innovative /IN-uh-vey-tiv/ [adjective] – using new methods or ideas The innovative startup introduced a game-changing app that simplifies everyday tasks and enhances productivity. reminder /ri-MAYHN-der/ [noun] – a written or spoken message that reminds someone to do something The sticky note on the fridge served as a helpful reminder for Mark to pay his…
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The ultra-low-carbon lifestyle trend taking the world by storm

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint and living a more sustainable life? Why or why not? Do you think that living an ultra-low-carbon lifestyle is more expensive than a traditional lifestyle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thoughtful /THAWT-fuhl/ [adjective ] – carefully considering things My teacher was very thoughtful when she took the time to explain the lesson to me again, even though I had already asked her several times. lifestyle /LAHYF-stahyl / [noun] – someone’s way of living; the things that a person or particular group of…
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China’s 2200-year-old Burger

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How has the burger evolved over time? What are the typical ingredients in burgers in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting/ [adjective] – extremely interesting Learning about ancient Egypt is fascinating because of the incredible pyramids and fascinating hieroglyphics. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – used to describe the particular way in which something started to exist or someone started their life The origin of pizza can be traced back to Italy, where it was first made with simple ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. mouth-watering /MOUTH-waw-ter-ing/ [adjective] – (of…
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Australia turns down proposed coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have natural wonders in your country that the government protects? Tell me about it. Do you think these natural wonders are worth preserving? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coal /kohl/ [noun] – a hard, black substance that is dug from the earth in pieces, and can be burned to produce heat or power, or a single piece of this Coal is a fossil fuel that is often used for heating homes and generating electricity. diverse /dahy-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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Endangered turtle species find safe haven in Hong Kong

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which endangered animal do you know of? Do you think ordinary people can save endangered animals? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extinction /ik-STINGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a situation in which something no longer exists Climate change is causing many animals to face the threat of extinction. exotic /ig-ZOT-ik / [adjective] – unusual and specially interesting because of coming from a country that is far away My friend brought back an exotic bird from her trip to South America. endangered /en-DEYN-jerd / [adjective] – animals or plants that…
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Why AI won’t replace creative, social, and physical jobs anytime soon

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the definition of AI? What are some examples of creative jobs that require a human touch? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emotional intelligence /ih-MOH-shuh-nl in-TEL-i-juhns/ [noun phrase] – the ability to understand the way people feel and react and to use this skill to make good judgments and to avoid or solve problems Having emotional intelligence means being aware of your own feelings and how they affect others. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time Currently, I am studying English, but I used to study Spanish in…
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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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