Intermediate

Apple users can now use Face ID with a mask

Apple will let you use Face ID with a mask in the next iOS update

©Chaim Gartenberg/The Verge Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What security features does your phone offer? Do you trust a face recognition feature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. buff /buhf/ [noun] – a person who knows a lot about and is very interested in a particular subject John is a huge jazz buff. function /FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a process that a computer or a computer program uses to complete a task Just enable this send-to-all function to deliver several e-mails by batch. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – absolutely necessary or important; essential Hard…
Read more

How companies drove employees to resign

woman-g208a4cee4_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the reasons why employees resign? How would you handle a resignation from one of your best employees? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. break out /BREYK out/ [verb] – if something dangerous or unpleasant breaks out, it suddenly starts Fighting has broken out around the area. suburb /SUHB-urb/ [noun] – an area on the edge of a large town or city where people who work in the town or city often live Is Box Hill a suburb of Melbourne? economist /ih-KON-uh-mist/ [noun] – a person who…
Read more

Japan celebrates National Foundation Day

japan-gdd0a811f8_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you celebrate National Foundation Day? Why do people celebrate National Foundation Day? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [noun] – a very difficult task that you can do only by making a great effort It was a struggle for him to work with his manager. encounter /en-KOUN-ter/ [verb] – to experience something, especially something unpleasant When did you first encounter these? patriotism /PEY-tree-uh-tiz-uhm/ [noun] – the feeling of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it Patriotism is simply the love for your…
Read more

What breakfast looks like in 5 different countries

rachel-park-hrlvr2ZlUNk-unsplash

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What time do you usually eat breakfast? What restaurant/cafe in your city offers the best breakfast menu? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wildly /wahyld-lee/ [adverb] – in an uncontrolled or extreme way Internet companies are growing wildly across the globe. highlight /HAHY-lahyt / [noun] – the best or most exciting, entertaining, or interesting part of something The highlight of our trip was the boat ride. consist of something /kuhn-SIST-of/ [phrasal verb] – to be made of or formed from something The meal consisted of grilled fish and potato stew. upgrade…
Read more

Starbucks plans to raise prices due to inflation

henry-co-jlNgRztzPXY-unsplash

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you drink coffee/tea? In your country, how much is a typical cup of coffee from the vending machine? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inflation /in-FLEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a general, continuous increase in prices The survey showed that 38% of Americans are worried about inflation. labor /LEY-ber/ [noun] – workers The newly elected senator addressed the labor concerns. chain /cheyn/ [noun] – a set of connected or related things Bea’s family owns a chain of computer shops. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very…
Read more

Google to invest up to $1 billion in India’s Bharti Airtel

Google to invest up to $1 billion in India's Bharti Airtel

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What business skills do you have? What mobile network operator is used by the majority in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. invest /in-VEST/ [verb] – to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage The company will invest $5 million in the project. acquire /uh-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] – to buy or take control of a company or part of a company, often by buying shares in it Jolly Food Corporation had just acquired shares from Mr. Dough’s Bakeshop. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/…
Read more

America’s wages are going up—but so is inflation

America's wages are going up, but so is inflation

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images spring to your mind when you hear the country USA? What prices do you care about most and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wage /weyj/ [noun] – a fixed regular payment earned for work or services, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis She works long hours to take home huge wages. industry /IN-duh-stree/ [noun] – the companies and activities involved in the process of producing goods for sale, especially in a factory or special area The electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels. expense…
Read more

The unproductiveness of time management

Group of business workers working together. Partners stressing one of them at the office

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you make a detailed schedule of your activities every day? Why or why not? Please share something about the most time-consuming activity in your routine. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. timetable /TAHYM-tey-buhl/ [noun] – a detailed plan showing when events or activities will happen I’ve sent the updated timetable to your email. precision /pri-SIZH-uhn/ [noun] – the quality of being exact Mizuki accomplishes his tasks with precision. excessively /ik-SES-iv-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is too much She excessively spends money on beauty products. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] –…
Read more

5 must-try soups from around the world

goulash-ga45432d39_1920

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some soup recipes that you know? What are some popular international restaurants in your city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ancient /EYN-shuhnt / [adjective] – of or from a long time ago, having lasted for a very long time They found ancient treasures in the abandoned hall. gently /JENT-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is soft and light, not strong She gently added the flour to the cake mix. traditionally /truh-DISH-uh-nl/ [adverb] – according to tradition; in a traditional way Traditionally, they exchange letters on Valentine’s Day….
Read more

Scientists discover a perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo in China

embryo pic

©BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What things do you know about dinosaurs? Please tell me more about it. Could you describe your favorite dinosaur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. embryo /EM-bree-oh/ [noun] – an animal that is developing either in its mother’s womb or in an egg, or a plant that is developing in a seed Once an egg is fertilized by the sperm, it becomes an embryo. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the process of finding information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time, or the thing that is found…
Read more