Intermediate

Thailand is now open to vaccinated tourists

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat at a restaurant these days? Do you always listen to news about COVID-19? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. curb /kurb/ [noun] – a limit on something that is not wanted Ellen should try to put a curb on her bad spending habits. entry /EN-tree/ [noun] – the act of entering a place or joining a particular society or organization The museum offers free entry for the whole month of May. optimistic /op-tuh-MIS-tik/ [adjective] – hoping or believing that good things will…
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New wind farm powers Amazon’s operations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of renewable energy? Could tell me some of the benefits of using renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the amount of something that is made or grown by a country or a company Wheat production has increased over time. headquarters /HED-kwawr-terz/ [noun] – the main offices of an organization such as the army, the police, or a business company The company’s headquarters is in China. schedule /SKEJ-ool/ [noun] – a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the…
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Ryan Gosling in final negotiations to play Ken in “Barbie” film

Ryan Gosling in final negotiations to play Ken with Margot Robbie in Barbie film

©Lionsgate, Paramount Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is the best toy ever invented? Do you know someone who likes Barbie? Please share something about them. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. heartthrob /HAHRT-throb/ [noun] – a famous man, often a singer or an actor, who is attractive to many women My mom’s favorite heartthrob is Tom Cruise. live action /LAHYV-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – (in films, etc.) action involving real people or animals, not models, or images that are drawn, or produced by computer The “Super Mario” live action will be in theaters next…
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Declining invitations the less painful way

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of invitation have you declined recently? What reasons do you usually give when rejecting invitations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. show up /shoh uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to arrive for a gathering or event 300 people showed up in the seminar. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [verb] – to refuse I’m sorry, but I have to decline the party invitation. assume /uh-SOOM/ [verb] – to accept something to be true without question or proof Let’s assume that it might rain tomorrow. acceptable /ak-SEP-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – satisfactory; good enough The proposal is…
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How can I lower my carbon footprint in the face of climate change?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you buy plastic products? What things at home do you reuse? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. warm /wawrm / [verb] – to (cause to) become warm (= less cold) With this electric heater, we can quickly warm up the room. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The anti-smoking campaign has and continues to have a significant impact on young people. carbon footprint /KAHR-buhn FOOT-print/ [noun] – someone’s carbon footprint is a measurement of the amount of…
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No more super high-rise buildings, China says

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a fear of heights? Have you been to Shanghai, China? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc The construction of the new mall will begin next week. practicality /prak-ti-KAL-i-tee / [noun] – the quality of being able to provide effective solutions to problems We are not sure about the practicality of his plan. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening There was a ban on…
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People are now taking on extra, secret jobs to keep them out of the eyes of their bosses

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do some prefer two jobs at the same time? Do you think having one job is enough? Please elaborate on your answer. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective] – far away in distance Australia is huge and remote from the world’s major population centers. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical We live in an era of instant communication. layoff /LEY-awf/ [noun] – an occasion when a company stops employing someone, sometimes temporarily, because the company…
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You can now design your own Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

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©Samsung via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors do you consider when buying a phone? Is the color of a product important to you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reflect /ri-FLEKT/ [verb] – to show, express, or be a sign of something Lena’s choice of clothing reflects her personality. taste /teyst/ [noun] – a person’s approval of and liking for particular things My friend Tim has great taste in food. combination /kom-buh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the mixture you get when two or more things are combined I would like the perfect color combination for…
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Winter heating bills set to soar in the US as energy prices jump

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you looking forward to winter? Why or why not? How often do you reheat food? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. household /HOUS-hold/ [noun] – a group of people, often a family, who live together Our whole household is always up early on the weekend. economic /ek-uh-NOM-ik/ [adjective] – relating to trade, industry, and money Business leaders shared their opinions during the economic discussions. supply /suh-PLAHY/ [noun] – an amount of something available Our farm provides us with an endless supply of lemons. contribute to /kuhn-TRIB-yoot to / [phrasal verb]…
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BTS announces four shows at SoFi Stadium

BTS announces four concerts at SoFi Stadium(1)

©Live Nation Entertainment Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like K-pop music? Why or why not? What BTS song/s have you been hearing recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tour /toor/ [noun] – an organized trip that people such as musicians, politicians, or theatre companies go on to several different places, stopping to meet people or perform My favorite band will go on a tour to perform in Southeast Asia. chart-topper /chahrt-top-er/ [adjective] – used to describe a recording that is bought more than any other recording during a particular time Taylor Swift is…
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