Intermediate

Scientists question dark energy’s stability, raising new theories about the universe’s future

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©NSF’s NoirLab via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of any forces in the universe that might change over time? What do you know about dark energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of increasing in size, number, or importance The expansion of the city has led to more jobs. raise /reyz/ [verb] – to bring up or cause something to be discussed or considered The new evidence has raised concerns about the safety of the building. weaken /WEE-kuhn/ [verb] – to make something weaker or less…
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“A Minecraft Movie” opens with record-breaking success, reviving 2025 box office

minecraft

©(Warner Bros. Pictures via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could go inside a video game world, what kind of world would you like to explore? What kind of characters do you like in movies—heroes, funny ones, or someone else? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. splash /splash/ [noun] – a noticeable or impressive entrance or success The new smartphone made a big splash at the tech expo, drawing huge crowds. premiere /pri-MEER/ [verb] – to be shown or performed publicly for the first time The documentary premiered at the international film festival last…
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Philadelphia Zoo celebrates historic birth of four Galapagos Tortoises

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is it important in taking care of animals in zoos? What do you know about endangered species? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. history /HIS-tuh-ree/ [noun] – the study of past events, especially in human affairs We learn about history in school to understand the past. offspring /AWF-spring/ [noun] – a child or young of a particular parent or animal The lion’s offspring were playing near the zoo entrance. valuable /VAL-yoo-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – worth a lot of money or important This painting is valuable because it is very old. additional…
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Snails offer hope amid Tunisia’s economic struggles

snail

©(AP Photo/Ons Abid) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine life is like in a small village where jobs are hard to find? Do you think it’s important to choose foods that help the environment? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sharply /SHARP-lee/ [adverb] – suddenly and quickly The price of rice increased sharply after the storm damaged many farms. inflation /in-FLEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a rise in prices that makes money worth less Inflation made it hard for people to buy clothes during the winter. dinar /dih-NAHR/ [noun] – the…
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First private mission to orbit over both poles lands safely in Pacific

Spacetour

©(SpaceX via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could see the Earth from above, what would you want to look at first? What kind of people do you think would enjoy a space trip? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. splashdown /SPLASH-doun/ [noun] – the landing of a spacecraft in the ocean The capsule made a smooth splashdown in the Indian Ocean after its three-day mission. investor /in-VES-tor/ [noun] – a person who puts money into something to earn a profit A well-known investor funded the construction of a new eco-resort in Costa…
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Microsoft celebrates 50th Anniversary: from Bill Gates’ first code to a $2.8 trillion legacy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does a 50th anniversary represent? Why is it significant when a company celebrates a milestone like a 50th anniversary? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary The teacher said the homework was crucial for passing the exam. confident /KON-fi-duhnt/ [adjective] – feeling sure about your abilities or qualities She was confident she could finish the test in time. deliver /dih-LIV-er/ [verb] – to successfully provide or complete something The team was confident they could deliver the project on time, despite the tight deadline….
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Stray dog escapes in Alaska weeks after rescue from California wildfires

Jackie

©(Skylar Young-Bayer via Associated Press) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think a dog feels when it moves to a new place? What would you bring if you had to search for a lost pet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. county /KOUN-tee/ [noun] – a part of a country or state that has its own local government Many people lost power during the snowstorm in the mountain county. theme /theem/ [noun] – the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc. The film shows strong themes of courage and family. hibernation /hahy-ber-NEY-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Search dogs bring comfort amid Bangkok building collapse tragedy

Rescue

©(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think dogs can be heroes? Why or why not? What does “hope” mean to you? Can you think of a time you felt hopeful? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shelter /SHEL-ter/ [noun] – a place that provides protection from danger, bad weather, or other difficult situations After the hurricane, a temporary shelter was set up at the school gym for evacuated residents. grief /greef/ [noun] – deep sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death The town was filled with grief after the sudden passing of their…
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Tulip tourism blooms across Europe as fields attract thousands of visitors

Flowers

©(AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What colors do you think make a flower garden beautiful? If you could plant one kind of flower in your backyard, which one would you choose? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. couch /kouch/ [noun] – a long, comfortable seat for two or more people The new art museum has stylish couches where visitors can relax between exhibits. selfie /SEL-fee/ [noun] – a photo that a person takes of themselves, usually with a smartphone People love taking selfies in front of the new mural downtown. widely /WAHYD-lee/…
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NASA astronauts return after challenging mission with Starliner setbacks and SpaceX rescue

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about astronauts and their work? What kind of training do you think astronauts need before they go to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. astronaut /AS-truh-nawt/ [noun] – a person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft The astronaut floated in space and saw the Earth from above. mission /mISH-uhn/ [noun] – a specific task or duty that someone is assigned to accomplish The team completed their mission by returning the equipment safely. transport /TRANS-pawrt/ [noun] – the action of moving goods or people from…
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