Intermediate

What fuels success?

Girl with magnifier lens is distrustful about something.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are you currently interested in? What were you curious about as a child? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. satisfaction /sat-is-FAK-shuhn/ [noun] – a pleasant feeling that you get when you receive something you wanted, or when you have done something you wanted to do It gave him satisfaction to see his book achieve best-seller status. curiosity /kyoor-ee-OS-i-tee/ [noun] – an eager wish to know or learn about something The children observed their teacher with curiosity. considerably /kuhn-SID-er-uh-blee/ [adverb] – to a large, noticeable, or important degree The issue has…
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Why a “wellbeing wardrobe” is necessary

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the a wellbeing wardrobe? Do you buy clothes at secondhand shops? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. purchase /PUR-chuhs/ [verb] – to buy something You can purchase insurance online. manufacture /man-yuh-FAK-cher/ [verb] – to produce goods in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines They can manufacture rags into paper. clothing /KLOH-thing/ [noun] – clothes, especially clothes of a particular type or those worn in a particular situation They need warm clothing for the winter. strategy /STRAT-i-jee / [noun] – a…
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Australia sees a “big shift” in reducing plastic wastes

Heap of plastic bottles, cups, bags collected to recycling in a metal bin. Concept of plastic pollution and too many plastic waste. Trash with used plastic packagings over grey background with copy space at the top

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What items do you recycle? What are your thoughts on single-use products? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cut down /kuht doun/ [phrasal verb] – to do or use less of something I’ve been trying to cut down on dairy. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something Parking is strictly prohibited in these areas. impressive /im-PRES-iv/ [adjective] – causing someone to feel admiration or respect Charles has an impressive record of accomplishments. minister /MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – (in many countries) a high government official who is in charge of…
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The “illusion of expertise” that promotes arrogance

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What things are you good at? Please elaborate on your answer. Is exageration acceptable? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. assume /uh-SOOM/ [verb] – to accept something to be true without question or proof Let us assume for a moment that the plan succeeds. rainbow /REYN-boh/ [noun] – an arch (= curved shape) of different colors seen in the sky when rain is falling and the sun is shining The rainbow forms an arc in the sky. capable /KEY-puh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to do things effectively and…
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The hidden overwork that affects so many occupations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where did you go on your last vacation? Could you tell me about it? Could you tell me about your tasks at work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. podcast /POD-kast/ [noun] – a broadcast that is placed on the Internet for anyone who wants to listen to it or watch it To reach listeners of podcasts, some radio stations already post their talk shows on websites. relevant /REL-uh-vuhnt/ [adjective] – connected with what is happening or being discussed Do you have relevant experience? obligation /ob-li-GEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the fact that…
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Farmers aim to boost soil health

Unrecognizable field worker or agronomist checking health of corn crops in the field.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been on a farm? Please tell me more about it. How important is farming in your country? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lead /leed/ [verb] – to control a group of people, a country, or a situation Who will be leading the meeting today? agricultural /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [adjective] – used for farming or relating to farming This land is not suitable for agricultural production. disturb /dih-STURB/ [verb] – to move or change something from its usual position, arrangement, condition, or shape Take caution not to disturb the documents…
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A day to commemorate Japan’s culture

文化の日

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some important holidays in your culture? Please tell me more about them. What do you like the most about your culture? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. figure /FIG-yer/ [noun] – an important or well-known person He wasn’t a public figure, but he had a lot of influence. admission /ad-MISH-uhn/ [noun] – the money that you pay to enter a place Teachers can visit most attractions and museums with free admission. encourage /en-KUR-ij/ [verb] – to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely…
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Finland wants to change the way that clothing is made

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of materials are your clothes made of? Would you like to change the way clothing is made? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a large company or group of companies that is controlled together as a single organization He works for a large American corporation. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result The whole process has now been greatly simplified. transform /trans-FAWRM/ [verb] – to change completely the appearance or character…
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Origin of the spookiest day of the year: Halloween

Halloween pumpkin with lantern on old wooden

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about Halloween celebrations? What has ever made you feel the most scared? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. hallow /HAL-oh/ [noun] – a saint or holy person People used to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve before the name was changed. eve /eev/ [noun] – the period or day before an important event We will be here on Christmas Eve. lurk /lurk/ [verb] – to stay around a place secretly, or to stay hidden, waiting to attack or appear Why are you lurking in the hallway? You should go…
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More than half of the palm trees in the world are endangered

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. In your view, what are the benefits of AI? What should we do so that species of trees do not face extinction? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people or things The city is a very diverse place. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other The area is rich in different plant species. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to judge or decide the amount,…
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