Intermediate

Growing tensions in Paris as overtourism transforms Montmartre

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of places in your town or city do many visitors like to go to? What feelings do crowded places give you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – the act of trying to influence or control someone or something; strong force or stress The hospital faced pressure from the public to provide faster services. banner /BAN-er/ [noun] – a long piece of cloth or paper with words or pictures used to show a message in public Protesters carried banners to show their opinions about the new…
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Tokyo releases simulation to prepare for possible Mount Fuji eruption

Mt Fuji

©(AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What natural disasters are common in your country? What items do you think are most important to keep at home in case of an emergency? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unveil /uhn-VEYL/ [verb] – to show or announce something publicly for the first time The city government unveiled a new plan to reduce air pollution in urban areas. violent /VAHY-uh-luhnt/ [adjective] – involving strong force, danger, or destruction The coastal town was damaged by a violent storm last summer. prediction /pri-DIK-shuhn/ [noun] – a statement…
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Nigeria bans raw shea nut exports to boost local industry

shea

©(AP Photo/David Durowaiye) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What products do you know that are made from plants or natural ingredients? What do you think is more helpful for people in small communities: farming or building factories? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that stops people from doing or using something The city announced a six-month ban on plastic bags to reduce waste. capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to hold, produce, or deal with something The stadium has the capacity to hold 50,000 people for the football match….
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Climate change intensified deadly wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, study finds

Cris-News (20)

©AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever read about wildfires in the news? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you imagine happens? Do you know why high temperatures and droughts can cause fires? If so, can you give an example? If not, what do you think happens to trees? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – very important because of its effect on the future of something Clean water is pivotal for good health. susceptible /suh-SEP-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – easily influenced or harmed by something…
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Japan expands matcha production as global demand surges

matcha

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of drinks or desserts do you enjoy the most? What traditional food or drink is popular in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reputation /rep-yuh-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the opinion people have about someone or something, based on past behavior or quality The school has a strong reputation for excellent teaching. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning, cause, or source of something Scientists studied the origin of the ancient artifacts. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation where there is not enough of something that is needed Hospitals reported…
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Polish village preserves lace heritage while attracting world fashion houses

crochet

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of things do people in your country make by hand? Do you think handmade items are more special than factory-made items? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. practice /PRAK-tis/ [noun] – a regular way of doing something; a custom or tradition The practice of planting trees during festivals has continued in many villages. craft /kraft/ [noun] – a skill in making things by hand Pottery is a traditional craft that many families in the town still teach their children. fixed /fikst/ [adjective] – not changing;…
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Scientists record rare view of star exploding in Milky Way

Cris-News (19)

©Ethan Tweedie/W. M. Keck Observatory via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could name a new star, what name would you give it? How would you feel if you could see a star explode in the sky? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. credible /KRED-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be trusted or believed The teacher gave a credible explanation of the strange event. established /ih-STAB-lisht/ [adjective] – accepted or respected because it has existed for a long time English is an established global language used in many countries. insightful /in-SAHYT-fuhl/ [adjective] – showing a…
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Midwest corn farmers struggle with 2025 weather shifts as record harvest forecast

Cris-News (18)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of weather do you like the most? Why? If you could grow your own food, what would you like to plant? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contradictory /kon-truh-DIK-tuh-ree/ [adjective] – if two or more facts, pieces of advice, etc. are contradictory, they are very different His story was contradictory to the facts in the report. pervasive /per-VEY-siv/ [adjective] – present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place The smell of food was pervasive in the small kitchen. onerous /ON-er-uhs/ [adjective] – difficult to do or…
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California lawmakers scheduled to decide on food allergen bill

Menu (2)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of food do you usually eat when you go to a restaurant? How do you decide what food is safe or good for you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. allergen /AL-er-juhn/ [noun] – a substance that causes an allergic reaction Dust is a common allergen that makes some people sneeze. governor /GUHV-er-ner/ [noun] – a person in charge of an organization or of a particular political unit, especially a U.S. state The governor signed a new law to support public schools. update /uhp-DEYT/ [verb] – to make something…
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Scientists report success in efforts to restore red-legged frogs

Frog (2)

©(AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals can be found near rivers, lakes, or ponds in your country? What do you think scientists can do to help animals live safely in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pond /pond/ [noun] – a small area of water, usually smaller than a lake Ducks were seen swimming in the ponds inside the city park. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of nature, animals, and the environment A new program was created for the conservation of sea turtles on the coast. transport /trans-PAWRT/ [verb] –…
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