Intermediate

©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…
Read more

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…
Read more

©(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…
Read more

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….
Read more

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…
Read more