Intermediate

Some who have stopped using social media say it is “very liberating”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you enjoy using social media? Why or why not? When do you feel calm? Could you tell me about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. majority /muh-JAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – more than half of a total number or amount; the larger part of something The majority of the employees have university degrees. occupy /OK-yuh-pahy/ [verb ] – to fill, exist in, or use a place or period of time The bed seemed to occupy most of the room. content /KON-tent / [noun] – information, images, video, etc. that are included…
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Landowner appeals to court about chopping down trees

cut down tree

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the importance of trees to the environment? Do you believe there will be fewer trees in the future? Why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. landowner /LAND-oh-ner/ [noun] – someone who owns land, especially a large amount of land Liam is the wealthy landowner’s son. illegally /ih-LEE-guhl/ [adverb] – in a way that is illegal The video had been illegally copied and distributed. stump /stuhmp/ [noun] – the part of something such as a tree, tooth, arm, or leg that is left after most of it has been removed…
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Women who were obliged to “select” self-employment

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is self-employment challenging? Why or why not? Why do women select self-employment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reality /ree-AL-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be TV is used as an escape from reality. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful They could endure much pain. consultant /kuhn-SUHL-tnt/ [noun] – someone who advises people on a particular subject She is now a hospital consultant. abandon /uh-ban-duhn/ [verb] – to leave a place, thing, or person, usually…
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The island blessed and cursed by the sea

rocky coast of the sea

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are there many people in your country who live by the mountains? Please tell me more about it. What are the dangers of living by the sea? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. peak /peek/ [noun] – the pointed top of a mountain, or the mountain itself They were in awe of the tall peaks. reputation /rep-yuh-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the opinion that people have of someone or something, based on past behavior or character This restaurant has an excellent reputation. draw /draw/ [verb] – to attract attention or interest Since he…
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The smart approach to take failure to heart

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What can you learn from failure? Do you believe that failure is the key to success? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. psychological /sahy-kuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to the human mind and feelings I suspect his headaches are purely psychological. failure /FEYL-yer / [noun] – the fact of someone or something not succeeding Don’t let one failure discourage you; try again. motivated /MOH-tuh-veyt-id/ [adjective] – very enthusiastic or determined because you really want to do something Our people are all highly trained and motivated. circumstance /SUR-kuhm-stans/ [noun] – a fact…
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Sacred peak Pico da Neblina has been off-limits for decades

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What mountains in your country are off-limits? Do you think mining is harmful to the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a particular action or order is not followed The moth has been a great threat to the farm. supervise /SOO-per-vahyz/ [verb] – to watch a person or activity to make certain that everything is done correctly, safely, etc. Tomorrow he will supervise all the pupils taking the English examination. spirit /SPIR-it / [noun] –…
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Cost of living affects people’s purchase habits for Christmas toys

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA -JULY 22, 2019: Children's toys are hung

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of your country’s famous toys? What can you say about the prices of toys in your country? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. forecast /FAWR-kast/ [noun] – a statement of what is judged likely to happen in the future, especially in connection with a particular situation, or the expected weather conditions According to the most current economic forecast, growth will be 3.5%. inexpensive /in-ik-SPEN-siv/ [adjective] – not costing a lot of money We have a big selection of inexpensive wines in stock. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [verb] – to gradually…
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The national food of Portugal

Salted and dried cod being sold at local grocery shop

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favourite breakfast, lunch, and dinner? How would you describe your country’s food? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. (the) depths /depths/ [noun] – the lowest part of the ocean Many dolphins are capable of diving to depths of 200 meters. cuisine /kwi-ZEEN/ [noun] – a style of cooking The cuisine at this restaurant is well-known. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed Our natural resources must be preserved. draining /DREY-nihng/ [adjective] –…
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What age is ideal for owning a smartphone?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is a smartphone a necessity? Why or why not? Why do kids like using smartphones? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. universal /yoo-nuh-VUR-suhl/ [adjective] – existing everywhere or involving everyone Education should be a universal right and not a privilege. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl / [noun] – someone’s or something’s ability to develop, achieve, or succeed She has great potential as an artist. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient The disease was an inevitable consequence of poor living conditions….
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What age is ideal for owning a smartphone?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. 講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。 Do kids in your family own a smartphone? How old were you when you had a cellphone? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. 単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。 issue /ISH-oo/ [noun] – a subject or problem that people are thinking and talking about We thank you for raising the issue. allow /uh-LOU/ [verb] – to give permission for someone to do something, or to not prevent something from happening We cannot allow such behavior to continue. advantage /ad-VAN-tij/ [noun] – a condition giving a greater chance of success Is there any advantage to getting…
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