Intermediate

Have a very eco-friendly Christmas

2021年12月19日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What holidays do you look forward to? What holiday food do you like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prioritize /prahy-AWR-i-tahyz/ [verb] – to designate or treat (something) as more important than other things For now, prioritize your health over your work. independent /in-di-PEN-duhnt/ [adjective] – a shop, small business, etc. that is not part of a large company My family owns an independent bento shop. pre-loved /pree-LUHVD/ [adjective] – not new, but having been used before, used especially when selling something to avoid using the word “second-hand” We’re planning to…
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Intermediate

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Honey is a superfood for insects

2021年12月18日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you put honey in your tea? Why or why not? What are the health benefits of honey? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. functional /FUHNGK-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive Our furniture isn’t very expensive, but it is functional. boost /boost/ [verb] – to improve or increase something Eating healthy food boosts the immune system. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body To limit the danger of infection, wrap the wound in a…
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Intermediate

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Samsung to generate 2,000 jobs in Texas with a $17 billion chip manufacturing facility

2021年12月17日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is generating jobs important? Where can we use computer chips? Please explain your answer. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shortage /SHAWR-tij / [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something There’s a shortage of food in the refugee camps. capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/ [noun] – the total amount that can be contained or produced The concert arena has a seating capacity of 50,000. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/ [verb] – to give something, especially money, in order to provide or achieve something together with other people My family has contributed…
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Intermediate

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Lego to build a new $1 billion factory in Vietnam

2021年12月16日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some toys that can only be found in your country? What is the most popular toy brand in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earnings /UR-ningz / [noun] – the amount of money that someone is paid for working Rupert has spent all his earnings. capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee / [noun] – the total amount that can be contained or produced We need to maximize the machine’s productive capacity. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. My new store is still…
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Intermediate

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Tomb Raider: Celebrating 25 years of gaming icon Lara Croft

2021年12月15日

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©BBC via SQUARE ENIX Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular gaming devices in your country? How often do you play video or mobile games? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. leading /LEE-ding/ [adjective] – very important or most important He is a leading expert on technology. highly /HAHY-lee/ [adverb] – very, to a large degree, or at a high level The company needs highly skilled workers. treasure /TREZH-er / [noun] – very valuable things, usually in the form of a store of precious metals, precious stones, or money The children found a treasure…
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Intermediate

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Twitter’s new privacy policy removes unconsented content

2021年12月14日

Twitter's new privacy policy removes unconsented content

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is Twitter popular in your country? Please tell me more about it. Do you have a Twitter account? If yes, how often do you tweet? If not, kindly explain why. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. update /uhp-DEYT/ [verb] – to make something more modern or suitable for use now by adding new information or changing its design We need to update our equipment to satisfy our customers’ needs. platform /PLAT-fawrm/ [noun] – a particular computer technology that can be used with some types of software programs but not with others…
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Intermediate

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900 employees laid off via Zoom call

2021年12月13日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. At what age do people in your country usually retire from work? What are the top jobs in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. market efficiency /MAHR-kit ih-FISH-uhn-see/ [noun] – a situation in which a financial market operates well, for example where customers have enough information about products, prices are related to supply and demand, etc. The market efficiency from our services maintains positive results. terminate /TUR-muh-neyt/ [verb] – to remove someone from their job He was terminated for breach of contract. human resources /YOO-muhn REE-sor-suhz/ [noun] – the…
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Intermediate

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Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima

2021年12月12日

Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima (1)

©University of Georgia Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animal best represents your character? Please explain. What particular animals have become famous in your country for some special skill or accomplishment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abandoned /uh-BAN-duhnd/ [adjective] – left in a particular place or condition, usually forever The abandoned building is said to be haunted. calamity /kuh-LAM-i-tee/ [noun] – a serious accident or bad event causing damage or suffering That earthquake was the worst calamity in the country’s history. discharge /dis-CHAHRJ/ [verb] – to send out a substance, especially waste liquid or gas…
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Intermediate

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Japan’s traditional way of starting anew

2021年12月11日

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© Shirokiya Denbe in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward via The Mainichi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you clean your house? Does your family have a tradition every Christmas? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. in honor of /IN AA-nr UHV/ [idiom] – as a celebration of or expression of respect for The statue in Sendai was built in honor of Masamune Date. complement /KOM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to make something else seem better or more attractive when combining with it The new wallpaper design complements the sofa sets. framework…
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Intermediate

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New Zealand to reopen to travelers who have been vaccinated

2021年12月10日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where did you last travel? Could you tell me more about it? What activities would you like to do if Covid restrictions were already lifted? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something It is prohibited to drive on the ice with a motor vehicle. entitled /en-TAHYT-ld/ [adjective] – feeling that you have the right to do or have what you want without having to work for it or deserve it, just because of who you are Officers are entitled to travel first…
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Intermediate

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