Intermediate

Philippine schools reopen

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have schools resumed in your country? Could you tell me about it? What are your concerns regarding the reopening of classes during the COVID-19 pandemic? Could you tell me about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spread /spred/ [noun] – the development or growth of something so that it covers a larger area or affects a larger number of people It is concerning how quickly the spread of the disease has been in recent years. enact /en-AKT/ [verb] – to put something into action, especially to make something law Under…
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Serena Williams to step away from tennis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How popular is tennis in your country? Why do you think that is? What sports are you into? How often do you play sports? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. career /kuh-REER/ [noun] – An occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress. He seemed destined for a career as an engineer like his father. retire /ri-TAHYUHR/ [verb] – To withdraw from one’s career, occupation, or office, usually because of age He is going to retire next winter. focus /FOH-kuhs/ [verb] – to give…
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The best and worst party in history

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© Wikimedia Commons via historyofyesterday.com Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was the last time you have been to a party? Whose party was it? What do you enjoy doing the most when you attend parties? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wealth /welth/ [noun] – a large amount of money or valuable possessions that someone has Nina’s career helped her save a great amount of wealth. grand /grand/ [adjective] – important and large in degree Several well-known celebrities attended the grand event. narrate /na-REYT/ [verb] – to tell a story, often by reading aloud from…
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What happens in the brain when you watch a TV show in a single sitting

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you sometimes stay up late? Why or why not? Who is your favorite movie character? Could you tell me about him/her? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stay up /stey uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to go to bed later than usual Did you stay up late last night? episode /EP-uh-sohd/ [noun] – one of the single parts into which a story is divided, especially when it is broadcast on the television or radio The final episode will be shown tonight. suffer /SUHF-er / [verb] – to experience physical or mental…
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Is dopamine fasting method based on science?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever gone on a diet? Could you tell me about it? What activities make you happy? Please elaborate on your answer. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – one or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true Several experts have presented evidence on the subject. mental /MEN-tl / [adjective] – relating to the mind, or involving the process of thinking His physical and mental health had gotten worse. addiction /uh-DIK-shuhn / [noun] – the need or strong desire to do or to…
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International leaders to discuss the protection of the world’s oceans

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Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite marine animal and why? Do you go fishing? If so, how is the experience? If not, why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. the high seas /hahy sees/ [noun (plural)] – the seas that are not controlled by any country The issues of piracy on the high seas have been increasing. adequately /AD-i-kwit-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose He had not planned adequately for the work at hand. network /NET-wurk/ [noun] – a large system consisting of many…
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Lashing out at staff: How can we avoid it?

Couple on a date angry at a waitress in an outdoor restaurant.  They are upset and dissatisfied with the customer service or the food in the cafe.  The image depicts the food and service industry.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe the customer service standards in your country? What are your expectations of a company’s customer service? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mistreat /mis-TREET/ [verb] – to treat a person or animal badly or cruelly People who mistreat pets must not be allowed to have them. deal with /deel with/ [phrasal verb] – to talk to someone or meet someone, especially as part of your job They have to deal with rude customers almost every day at work. routine /roo-TEEN/ [noun] – a usual or fixed way…
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Scientists in Plymouth identify plastics using computers

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where do you think plastics in the ocean come from? Why do people use computer recognition? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fate /feyt/ [noun] – what happens to a particular person or thing, especially something final or negative, such as death or defeat His fate is now in the hands of the judge. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or top part or layer of something This rock has a smooth, shiny surface. threat /thret/ [noun] – a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a particular…
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Can grasshoppers truly take the place of beef?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite food? Could you tell me about it? Is there a kind of food that you do not eat? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/ [verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens Does smoking contribute to lung cancer? source /sawrs/ [noun] – the place something comes from or starts at, or the cause of something These fruits are a good source of vitamin C. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – any work that someone believes it is their duty to do It seems…
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4,000 beagles rescued and open for adoption

Young woman walking with Beagle dog in the summer park. Obedient pet with his owner. Walking of pets.

Pre-reading questions I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you prefer buying or adopting animals? Why? What animal do you think makes the best pet? Why? Vocabulary I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shelter /SHEL-ter/ [noun] – something that gives protection, such as a building or tent, or the protection provided Contributions will surely help animal shelters. humane /hyoo-MEYN/ [adjective] – showing kindness, care, and sympathy towards others, especially those who are suffering The regulations emphasize humane treatment for all. breed /breed/ [verb] – to keep animals for the purpose of producing young animals in a controlled way He makes…
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