Intermediate

China’s exports surge 8.7% in August amid sluggish domestic economy

2024年9月15日

business-2553884_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a weak economy? How might a weak economy affect people’s daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. export /ek-SPAWRT/ [noun] – The action of sending goods to another country for sale. The company handles the export of electronics to several countries. volume /VOL-yoom/ [noun] – the number or amount of something in general The volume of water in the tank is very high. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance The company plans to expand its operations next year. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a…
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Intermediate

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Greece to impose cruise ship tax on popular islands to combat overtourism

2024年9月14日

santorini-416136_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors make a destination appealing to tourists? What vacation spots would you like to visit someday, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it; or a situation causing mental or emotional strain The deadline for the project created a lot of pressure for the entire team. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially…
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Intermediate

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Ancient Roman tombs with mythological murals to open in Southern Israel’s new educational park

2024年9月13日

mural

©AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of historical sites have you learned about in history class? How do these sites help us understand past cultures and societies? Can you name any well-known conservation projects that you’ve heard about? Why are these projects important for preserving our history and environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conserve /kuhn-SURV/ [verb] – to protect something from being damaged, changed, or wasted We should conserve water by turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known that was previously…
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Intermediate

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National Animal Disease Center tackles bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows

2024年9月12日

cow-234835_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What can happen when a new disease affects animals? How might diseases in animals impact people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. livestock /LAHYV-stok/ [noun] – farm animals raised for commercial purposes The farmer checked the livestock to ensure they were healthy and well-fed. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body The doctor treated the infections with a course of antibiotics. facility /fuh-SIL-i-tee/ [noun] – a place or building designed for a specific purpose The new sports facility offers state-of-the-art…
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Intermediate

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US job openings hit lowest level since early 2021

2024年9月11日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does the term “layoff” mean? What industries or jobs do you think are most at risk of layoffs? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed or activity The company noticed a slowdown in sales last month. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – the termination of employment by an employer, often due to economic reasons The factory had a layoff due to decreased production. mixed signal /mikst SIG-nl/ [idiom] – information or actions that suggest different things or are unclear The report gave a mixed…
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Intermediate

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UK visa numbers for health workers and student families drop due to new restrictions

2024年9月10日

british-flag-1907933_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you had the opportunity to work or study abroad, where would you go and why? Why do you think some countries attract a lot of international students and health workers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. grant /grant/ [verb] – to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way The principal granted the student’s request for an extension on the assignment. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – sudden and striking; causing a lot of attention or impact The dramatic change in weather caught everyone by surprise and led to widespread…
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Intermediate

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NASA delays astronaut return to Earth due to spacecraft issues

2024年9月9日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do astronauts or mission control teams respond when a spacecraft experiences a serious technical problem? Why can technical issues in spacecraft be particularly challenging to resolve compared to problems on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prioritize /prahy-AWR-i-tahyz/ [verb] – to treat something as more important than other things We need to prioritize homework before going out to play. unmanned /uhn-MAND/ [adjective] – not operated by a person; remote-controlled or automated The robot is an unmanned vehicle that can explore dangerous areas. steadfast /STED-fast/ [adjective] – firm and unwavering…
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Intermediate

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Clooney and Pitt reunite at Venice Film Festival

2024年9月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the purpose of international film festivals? Have you ever watched a film featured in an international film festival? If so, how did the film’s participation in the festival affect your opinion of it? If not, which movie do you think should be included in an international film festival, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prestigious /pre-STIJ-uhs/ [adjective] – admired and respected because of great success or importance The prestigious award was given to the top student of the year. reunion /ree-YOON-yuhn/ [noun] – an occasion when people…
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Intermediate

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Silent sports capture attention at the Paris Paralympics

2024年9月7日

Paralympic

©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics? Can you explain the purposes of the major international sports events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cue /kyoo/ [noun] – signals or prompts used to guide actions or behaviors The teacher gave visual cues to help students understand the new concept. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the ability to focus mental effort on a specific task or activity The scientist’s concentration was crucial while conducting the complex experiment. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – people who watch an event or…
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Intermediate

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Climate change impacts cabbage quality in South Korea, affecting kimchi production

2024年9月6日

kimchi-7613330_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of ingredients are commonly used in traditional dishes from your country? Can you think of any foods that might be affected by climate change in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a situation or condition that poses a potential danger or harm The security guard identified a threat in the building’s surveillance footage. mountainous /MOUN-tn-uhs/ [adjective] – having many mountains or being characterized by mountains They planned a hiking trip in the mountainous region of the national park. endanger /en-DEYN-jeyr/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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