Intermediate

Energy executive fears that rising bills will continue

Monthly utility bills. Cost of Utilities. Planning for utility costs in the monthly budget. Electricity bills by state monthly report. Budget for highly-variable utility bills

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How much energy do you use every day? What is the most common form of energy in your country? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – money that is earned in trade or business after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services Our daily profit typically hovers around $500. data /DEY-tuh/ [noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making Further data analysis is needed. doubtful /DOUT-fuhl/ [adjective] – if a situation is doubtful, it is…
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The approach to reigniting fading passion

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your definition of passion? How important is passion for achieving success? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. passion /PASH-uhn/ [noun] – an extreme interest in or wish for doing something, such as a hobby, activity, etc. She followed her passion for cooking and opened her own restaurant. enthusiasm /en-THOO-zee-az-uhm/ [noun] – a feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and an eagerness to be involved in it His enthusiasm for the project motivated the entire team to work harder. motivation /moh-tuh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – enthusiasm for doing…
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New flashy job titles are on the rise: What’s the risk?

Successful middle aged businessman with laptop in hands standing in modern office interior near window, copy space. Serious male entrepreneur in formal suit working on computer

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What job did you want to have when you were young? What is one job you would not like to do? Why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. creativity /kree-ey-TIV-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to produce original and unusual ideas, or to make something new or imaginative The talent and creativity of our workers must be improved. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a long-range plan for achieving something or reaching a goal, or the skill of making such plans The business’s financial strategy is ineffective. hire /hahyuhr/ [verb] – to employ someone…
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How to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some ways that you personally preserve food at home? Are you interested in learning more about new and emerging food preservation technologies? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of stopping something from happening or of stopping someone from doing something Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to take steps to avoid getting sick. mankind /MAN-kahynd/ [noun] – the whole of the human race, including both men and women Mankind has been exploring outer space for decades, but…
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Masterclasses offered to small business owners

Presenter Presenting on Stage at Conference Meeting. Professiona

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is one skill you are proud of? Please tell me more about it. If given the chance, what kind of business would you like to have? Why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seminar /SEM-uh-nahr/ [noun] – an occasion when a teacher or expert and a group of people meet to study and discuss something He received an invitation to a seminar in Paris. offer /OF-er/ [verb] – to provide or supply something Career counselors offer advice to all students. professional /pruh-FESH-uh-nl/ [adjective] – related to work that needs a…
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What parents misunderstand about “milestones” in childhood

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you tell me about a special memory from your childhood? What was the first thing you ever learned to cook or bake by yourself? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. obsession /uhb-SESH-uhn/ [noun] – something or someone that you think about all the time Her obsession with social media led to her spending most of her time scrolling through her feeds. come across /kuhm uh-KRAWS/ [phrasal verb] – to find something by chance I came across a beautiful painting while browsing through an art gallery. aware /uh-WAIR/ [adjective] – knowing…
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Have people lost their sense of proper conduct at work?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some examples of appropriate behavior in the workplace? How should employees communicate with their colleagues and superiors? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concerned /kuhn-SURND/ [adjective] – worried John was concerned about the safety measures put in place at the office before returning to work. standard /STAN-derd/ [noun] – a level of quality The company has set a high standard for customer service that all employees must adhere to. grant /grant/ [verb] – to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way The manager granted the team’s…
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Karaage’s capital city

Spicy chicken karaage with lemon and green onion close-up. horiz

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat karaage? What do you like about karaage? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. complex /KOM-pleks/ [adjective] – involving a lot of different but related parts The TV show’s plot is quite complex. center /SEN-ter/ [noun] – a building or set of buildings having a particular purpose, or a place connected with a particular activity Shibuya is a very large shopping center. fame /feym/ [noun] – the state of being known or recognized by many people because of your achievements, skills, etc. The author’s fame is known…
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Indian restaurant owner and cook arrested for food poisoning

Man having diarrhea or food poisoning after unhealthy junk fast food. Guy has to go to toilet after eating too much. Stomach pain, digestion problem, indigestion, salmonella or heart attack concept.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What food do you like ordering at restaurants? What do you think makes food unsafe to eat? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. admit /ad-MIT/ [verb] – to allow someone to enter a hospital because they need medical care She was admitted to the hospital for further observation. investigation /n-ves-ti-GEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act or process of examining a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth The police conducted a thorough investigation. detain /dih-TEYN/ [verb] – to force someone officially to stay in a place He must be…
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The fundamental link between self-awareness and motivation

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common reasons for feeling unmotivated? How can you create a motivating environment to boost productivity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. motivation /moh-tuh-VEy-shuhn/ [noun] – enthusiasm for doing something Lack of motivation was the reason he couldn’t complete the project on time. factor /FAK-ter / [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The weather was a major factor in the decision to cancel the outdoor event. latter /LAT-er/ [noun] – the second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned She was torn…
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