Intermediate

Why we dream in multiple languages

2023年2月25日

fantasy-g7dad0f72a_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you learning a foreign language? If so, have you ever dreamed of that language? Are you learning a foreign language aside from English? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, what language would you like to learn? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something The math problem was so difficult that it puzzled the entire class, and no one could solve it. learner /LUR-ner/ [noun] –…
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Intermediate

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Businesses choose four-day workweek after trial

2023年2月24日

Young latin business woman manager accounting analyst checking bills, analyzing sales statistics management, taxes financial data documents or marketing report papers working in office using laptop.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel after working for five to six days? Do you feel more productive working for five to six days? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pros and cons /prohs uhn kons/ [phrase] – advantages and disadvantages of something, which you consider carefully so that you can make a sensible decision We talked about the pros and cons of attending university. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range He has extensive musical knowledge. temporarily /tem-puh-RAIR-uh-lee/ [adjective] – in…
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Intermediate

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The Emperor’s Birthday: A Celebration of Tradition and Unity

2023年2月23日

holiday

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited Japan during a public holiday? Which holiday was it, and what was your experience like? Which public holiday in Japan do you think is the most important? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time, or all of these beliefs, etc. in a particular society or group We have a tradition of baking gingerbread cookies together every holiday season. current /KUR-uhnt/…
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Intermediate

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Are Gen Z workers the ones that are the most stressed out at work?

2023年2月22日

employees-gb1850d27d_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you a member of Gen Z? If so, how do you identify with your generation? If not, how would you describe your generation? What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Gen Z in the workplace? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical: The Renaissance era was a time of great change and cultural rebirth in Europe, marked by advances in art, science, and philosophy. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different…
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Intermediate

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The different views of willpower

2023年2月21日

woman-5679001_1280

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What things do you have the motivation to do? What motivates you to achieve your goals? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inflexible /in-FLEK-suh-buhl/ [adjective] – (especially of opinions and rules) fixed and unable or unwilling to change This strategy is too expensive and inflexible. ego /EE-goh/ [noun] – your idea or opinion of yourself, especially your feeling of your own importance and ability Sarah needed a job to boost her ego, so I’m delighted she got the job. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – something suggested as a reasonable explanation for facts,…
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Intermediate

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YouTube CEO steps down after nine years

2023年2月20日

Wroclaw, Poland - OCT 23, 2019: Man holding smart phone with YouTube logo on screen. YouTube is most popular video service developed by Google.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you watch videos on YouTube? What was the last video you watched on YouTube? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advisory /ad-VAHY-zuh-ree/ [adjective] – relating to giving advice He was chosen last month to serve on the advisory committee. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time People throughout the world were shocked by the news of the disaster. varied /VAIR-eed/ [adjective] – having or showing many different types, or changing often The school provides a fun and varied schedule of social…
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Intermediate

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The people supporting future generations in the fight against climate change

2023年2月19日

global-warming-g775cc5365_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you an advocate for climate rights? Why or why not? In your opinion, what are the most pressing climate-related issues facing the world today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concept /KON-sept / [noun] – a principle or idea A concept is an abstract idea, and it can be difficult to understand without concrete examples. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very severe or bad Exercising for a long time in hot weather can be extreme and potentially dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. current /KUR-uhnt/ [adjective] – of the present…
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Intermediate

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A delicious revolution

2023年2月18日

close up of view of table full of food with someone taking pasta of the table to celebrate - caucasian woman

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat fast food? What are some famous fast food restaurants in your country? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slow food /sloh food/ [noun] – good food that is prepared and cooked carefully Local ingredients and traditional cooking methods are promoted by slow food. encourage /en-KUR-ij/ [verb] – to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen We wish to encourage effective communication and teamwork. organic /awr-GAN-ik/ [adjective] – not using artificial chemicals in the growing of plants and animals…
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Intermediate

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UK government to regulate “buy-now, pay-later” businesses

2023年2月17日

BNPL Buy now pay later online shopping service on smartphone. Online shopping. Paying after delivery. Complete the payment after purchase at no added cost. Payment after credit check. Easy way to shop online. Afterpay service

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What items do you often buy when you go shopping? Have you ever applied for a loan? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thoroughly /THUR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – completely, very much Before using a bandage, thoroughly clean the wound. lender /LEN-dr/ [noun] – someone or something that lends money, especially a large financial organization such as a bank The lender may need you to pay them an arrangement charge of $250. violate /VAHY-uh-leyt/ [verb] – to break or act against something, especially a law, agreement, principle,…
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Intermediate

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A little bit of messiness – The key to unleashing your creativity

2023年2月16日

clutter-g2232f95ed_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel when you enter a messy room? What is the biggest challenge you face when trying to keep your room tidy? 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 or use original and unusual ideas Creativity is the ability to think outside the box and come up with original ideas. stimulate /STIM-yuh-leyt/ [verb] – to encourage something to grow, develop, or become active Exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. inspiration /in-spuh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a…
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Intermediate

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