Intermediate

3.8-magnitude earthquake shakes Maine, tremors felt across Northeastern U.S.

News (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you suddenly felt a small earthquake, what would be the first thing you do? How do you think people feel when they experience an earthquake for the first time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tremor /TREM-er/ [noun] – a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or in the ground The small tremor made the windows shake for a few seconds. seismic /SAHYZ-mik/ [adjective] – relating to or caused by an earthquake Scientists use special tools to study seismic activity under the ground. proliferate /pruh-LIF-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to increase…
Read more

Beluga calf born at Shedd Aquarium after four years

Beluga

©(AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could take care of a baby sea animal, which one would you choose? Why? How do you think animals communicate with each other? Can you think of any examples? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make sure that something happens or is done correctly The teacher checked all the students’ papers to ensure there were no mistakes. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the top layer of something The frog jumped to the surface of the pond to get some air. welcome /WEL-kuhm/…
Read more

Oldest rhinoceros in the United States passes away at Tennessee zoo

rhino

©(Amy Smotherman Burgess/Zoo Knoxville via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could visit any wild animal in its natural home, which animal would you choose and why? Imagine you are taking care of a large animal like a rhino. What would be the most challenging part? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapid /RAP-id/ [adjective] – happening quickly or in a short time The company experienced rapid growth after launching its new product. mobility /moh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to move or be moved freely and easily After the surgery, her mobility was limited,…
Read more

Germany tests deep geothermal drilling in Geretsried for carbon-free energy

News (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the benefits of using natural energy sources like the sun, wind, or heat from the Earth? Why do you think some countries are trying to stop using fossil fuels? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approximately /uh-PROK-suh-mit-lee/ [adverb] – close to a particular number or amount but not exactly The train will arrive in approximately five minutes. intensify /in-TEN-suh-fahy/ [verb] – to become stronger or more serious, or to make something stronger The rain began to intensify in the afternoon. transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/ [verb] – to change…
Read more

Rare black wolves spotted in Polish forest, raising conservation interest

black wolves

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could choose to be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? How do you feel about wolves? Do they seem scary, interesting, or something else?I Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coordinator /koh-AWR-dn-ey-ter/ [noun] – a person who organizes and manages activities or projects The coordinator of the school event made sure everything went smoothly. marking /MAHR-king/ [noun] – a pattern on the body of an animal The butterfly’s wings had beautiful markings that looked like eyes. domesticated /duh-MEH-stuh-kay-tuhd/ [adjective] – tamed and trained…
Read more

Food color shapes perception

colorful

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel when food looks dull or has no color? If you could change the color of any food, what would you change and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appealing /uh-PEE-ling/ [adjective] – attractive or interesting The new smartphone design is more appealing to younger consumers because of its sleek look. vibrant /VAHY-bruhnt / [adjective] – bright and full of energy or life Her paintings are full of vibrant colors that bring a sense of joy and excitement. processed /PROH-sest/ [adjective] – changed or treated through a…
Read more

Weight-loss medications show potential in managing unhealthy cravings

News

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you do when you want to stop a bad habit? If you could invent a medicine to help people, what would it do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. examine /ig-ZAM-in/ [verb] – to look at or study something carefully to understand it better The doctor will examine your eyes to check if you need glasses. imitate /IM-i-teyt/ [verb] – to copy someone’s actions, speech, or behavior The little boy tried to imitate his father by wearing the same hat. regulate /REG-yuh-leyt/ [verb] – to control or adjust something…
Read more

Scientists uncover secret to boiling the perfect egg

egg

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a boiled egg taste good? What do you think is more important in cooking—speed or quality? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. yolk /yohk/ [noun] – the yellow part of an egg that contains nutrients The baker carefully separated the yolk from the white to make a fluffy meringue. undercooked /uhn-dr-KUKT/ [adjective] – not cooked enough or not fully cooked The chef sent the steak back to the grill because it was undercooked and still raw in the middle. unevenly /uh-NEE-vuhn-lee/ [adverb] – in an…
Read more

Massive snake removal operation unfolds in Sydney suburb

snakes

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What would you do if you found a snake in your yard or near your house? How do you think weather changes affect animals in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. venomous /VEN-uh-muhs/ [adjective] – containing poison that can harm or kill Scientists discovered a venomous spider inside the cave, which was dangerous to humans. resident /REZ-i-duhnt/ [noun] – a person who lives in a particular place The resident of the small town was happy to see new businesses opening. shocking /SHOK-ing/ [adjective] – very surprising in a way that…
Read more

Workplace napping gains attention as companies weigh productivity and well-being

Copy of News Templates (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of taking a short nap during the day? Do you think people should be allowed to nap at work? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. industry /IN-duh-stree/ [noun] – the companies and activities involved in producing goods and services Technology is an ever-changing industry with new inventions. acknowledge /ak-NOL-ij/ [verb] – to accept, admit, or recognize something The teacher acknowledged the student’s effort by giving him a reward. fatigue /fuh-TEEG/ [noun] – extreme tiredness After working for ten hours, he felt great fatigue…
Read more