Intermediate

South Korea celebrates Han Kang’s historic Nobel Prize victory

Novel Prize

©REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What genre of books do you enjoy reading the most? Why? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? What do you think are the benefits of each? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. novelist /NOV-uh-list / [noun] – a person who writes novels The novelist spent years developing the characters for her new book. stock /stok/ [noun] – the goods or merchandise available for sale The store needs to reorder its stock of winter clothing. pride /prahyd/ [noun] – a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you get because you…
Read more

SpaceX marks breakthrough as Starship booster is captured by mechanical arms in landmark test flight

rocket3

©Anadolu via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the purpose of a rocket test flight? What safety measures do you think are important during a rocket test flight? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flight /flahyt/ [noun] – the act of flying; a journey made by flying The flight to Tokyo takes about twelve hours. procedure /pruh-SEE-jer/ [noun] – a set of actions that are done in a certain way The procedure for making the cake is simple and quick. improved /uhm-PROOVD/ [adjective] – made better or enhanced She has an improved score…
Read more

Unprecedented rainfall transforms Sahara Desert

BRIX IIMG (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens to a desert landscape when it rains? Why is rain considered a significant event in deserts? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/ [noun] – a fact or event that can be observed, especially something unusual or difficult to understand The Northern Lights are a beautiful phenomenon that many people travel to see. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – a small amount of liquid, often water, that is present in the air or on a surface Plants need some moisture to grow healthy and strong. devastation /dev-uh-STEY-shuhn/ [noun] – severe…
Read more

Cambodian fisherman turns to eel farming amid declining fish stocks in Tonle Sap

BRIX IIMG (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever eaten eel? What dishes do you think include eel as an ingredient? What environmental conditions do you think are necessary for successful eel farming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fisherman /FISH-er-muhn/ [noun] – a person who catches fish for a living or as a hobby The fisherman woke up early to catch fresh fish for his family. income /IN-kuhm/ [noun] – money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments Her income allows her to buy new clothes and save for vacations. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/…
Read more

New research reveals humanity may have hit the limit of life expectancy

old

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “life expectancy” mean? Do you think living longer is always a good thing? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] – the forward movement of something, or an improvement or development in something The latest advances in technology have made communication much faster. slow down /sloh doun/ [phrasal verb] – to reduce speed or become less active The overall reduction in pollution has slowed down. point out /point out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or highlight something important She pointed out a mistake…
Read more

ESA’s Hera spacecraft embarks on critical mission to assess asteroid deflection for planetary defense

BRIX IIMG

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about asteroids? Why are asteroids important to study? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to set a spacecraft or rocket in motion into the sky or space The team will launch the new app next month to improve communication. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – a specific task or duty assigned to a person or group, often involving a goal The team completed their mission to clean the beach last weekend. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something accomplished, especially by hard work, skill, or effort Winning…
Read more

Auto mechanics student faces life-threatening situation as vehicle accelerates uncontrollably to 120 mph in Minnesota

Copy of News Templates (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the most common causes of road accidents? What safety measures do you believe are most effective in preventing road accidents? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acceleration /ak-sel-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the increase in the speed or rate of something The car experienced rapid acceleration, reaching a high speed quickly. interstate /in-ter-STEYT/ [noun] – a major highway that runs between states They decided to avoid the interstate to stay away from heavy traffic. respond /ri-SPOND/ [verb] – to react to something that has been said or done The police responded…
Read more

Belgian researchers study impact of climate change on pear farming in 2040 simulation

Pears

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What fruit do you wish your country could grow, and why do you think it would be beneficial? What possible effects of climate change could impact the crops or produce in farming? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transparent /trans-PAIR-uhnt/ [adjective] – allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen The glass is transparent, so we can see the beautiful garden outside. harvest /HAHR-vist/ [noun] – the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting…
Read more

Scientists reveal detailed map of fruit fly brain

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What benefits do flies provide to other animals and plants? What animals are commonly used in scientific studies, and why do you think they are chosen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. structure /STRUHK-cher/ [noun] – the arrangement or organization of parts to form an entire object or system The structure of the human body includes various systems like the circulatory and respiratory systems. signal /SIG-nl/ [noun] – a sign or indication that conveys information or instructions The neurons in the brain send signals to communicate with each other and coordinate…
Read more

Indian pianist overcomes adversity, delivers stunning performance at Bengaluru Music Festival

Copy of News Templates

©AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities make a musician talented? How do talented musicians develop their skills? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dedication /ded-i-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being committed to a task or purpose Her dedication to studying helped her pass the exam. conquer /KONG-ker/ [verb] – to overcome or defeat He wants to conquer his fear of speaking in public. institution /in-sti-TOO-shuhn/ [noun] – an organization founded for a specific purpose, such as education or social services The school is an important institution for learning in our community….
Read more