Intermediate

The history of minimalism

2021年4月16日

minimalism

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like collecting things? Please tell me more about it. Is it easy for you to get rid of material things? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea They’re discussing the concept of free speech. philosophy /fi-LOS-uh-fee/ [noun] – a particular system of beliefs, values, and principles My older brother studies philosophy at university. complain /KUHM-pleyn/ [verb] – to say that something is wrong or not satisfactory She’s the type of employee who accepts tasks without complaining. satisfaction /sat-is-FAK-shuhn/…
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Intermediate

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The UAE’s tiny lunar rover to face difficulties on the moon

2021年4月14日

moon-vehicle-67521_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about a lunar rover? For you, what is a historic mission? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. historic /hi-STAWR-ik/ [adjective] – important or likely to be important in history They planned to build historic buildings. celebrate /SEL-uh-breyt/ [verb] – to take part in special enjoyable activities in order to show that a particular occasion is important They always celebrate their wedding anniversary by going out to dinner. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing It gives you a sense…
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Intermediate

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Brazil’s president replaces six ministers as Covid crisis worsens

2021年4月12日

Brazilian Army General Fernando Azevedo e Silva, who was appointed by Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro as Defence Minister, gestures to journalists upon arrival at the transitional government's headquarters in Brasilia, on December 11, 2018. - Bolsonaro takes office on January 1, 2019. (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP) (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP via Getty Images)

©Evaristo Sa via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of the country Brazil? Where do you prefer checking news about COVID-19? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. announce /uh-NOUNS/ [verb] – to make something known or tell people about something officially They announced their marriage yesterday. release /ri-LEES/ [verb] – to allow something to be shown in public or to be available for use They will release the results of the exam today. former /FAWR-mer/ [adjective] – of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past I…
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Intermediate

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Philippines locks down capital and nearby provinces on Holy Week due to surging COVID-19 cases

2021年4月9日

Philippines locks down capital and nearby provinces on Holy Week due to surged COVID-19 cases

©Lisa Marie David via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What measures were implemented in your country to prevent the spread of coronavirus? How do you cope with the current pandemic? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. enhanced /en-HANST/ [adjective] – better than before The brand wants to create enhanced versions of their products. enforcement /en-FAWRS-muhnt/ [noun] – the process of making people obey a law or rule, or making a particular situation happen or be accepted The citizens support the enforcement of the bill against racism. impede /im-PEED/ [verb] – to slow something down or…
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Intermediate

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Forest destruction increased significantly in 2020

2021年4月7日

Nelson Almeida Amazon Rainforest

©Nelson Almeida Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the importance of forests in this world? How does being in nature make you feel? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rate /reyt/ [noun] – the speed at which something happens or changes, or the amount or number of times it happens or changes in a particular period The rate of his recovery is going great. worldwide /WURLD-wahyd/ [adverb] – existing or happening in all parts of the world They are currently topping the iTunes worldwide for three consecutive weeks. role /rohl/ [noun] – the position…
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Intermediate

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Efforts to dislodge Ever Given from the Suez Canal may take weeks, authorities say

2021年4月5日

evergiven

©EPA via BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Please describe the port of Yokohama. What items does Japan export to other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. visibility /viz-uh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – how clearly objects can be seen, or how far you can see clearly, usually because of the weather conditions The ship crashed due to poor visibility in the sea. rear /reer/ [adjective] – at the back of something He settled at the rear seats of the taxi. removal /ri-MOO-vuhl/ [noun] – the process of removing or getting rid of something, often something that…
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Intermediate

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During a pandemic, people find warmth and community by listening to the sounds we miss

2021年4月2日

bar-463476_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you visit bars? What kind of music do you like to listen to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time Experts have discovered how to predict an earthquake. abandon /uh-BAN-duhn/ [verb] – to leave a place, thing, or person, usually forever As a baby he was abandoned by his mother. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses We had to adapt our plans…
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Intermediate

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World’s biggest canvas painting sells for $62M at Dubai charity auction

2021年3月31日

journeyofhumanity

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who are the famous painters in your country? Have you ever bought an artwork? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. measure /MEZH-er/ [verb] – to be a particular size The floor area measures 70 square meters. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something The incident affected his mental health. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, many people thought that the plan will not succeed. proceeds /PROW-seeds/ [noun] – the amount of money received from a…
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Intermediate

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Australia floods from intense rainfall, authorities say

2021年3月29日

© BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often does it flood in your country? What natural disasters commonly strike your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. border /BAWR-der/ [verb] – to form a line around the edge of something The fields are bordered by sturdy fences. source /sawrs/ [noun] – the place or thing that something comes from or starts at, or the cause of something Where’s the source of that noise? tide /tahyd/ [noun] – the rise and fall of the sea that happens twice every day High tides are expected today…
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Intermediate

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The world’s first space hotel to open in 2027

2021年3月26日

earth-1756274_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you want to travel to space? Why or why not? Could you tell me your most memorable experience staying in a hotel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stuck /stuhk/ [adjective] – unable to move, or set in a particular position, place, or way of thinking Six of us were stuck in the elevator for over an hour. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist Three potential buyers have expressed interest in the company. holiday /HOL-i-dey/ [noun] – an official day when you do not have to…
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Intermediate

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