Intermediate

Elle magazine to stop using animal fur in its publications worldwide

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©BBC via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most popular magazine in your country? What are some current fashion trends in your city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. publication /puhb-li-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a book, magazine, newspaper, or document in which information or stories are published Laura writes for the student publication. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/ [noun] – the situation in which people have the same opinion, or in which they approve of or accept something: Everyone seems to be in agreement with the travel plans. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys…
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The man who is transforming towns into massive sponges

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does your government do to solve the flooding problem? Do you think it is effective? Why do you think so? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. drown /droun/ [verb] – to (cause to) die by being unable to breathe underwater A child can drown in only a few inches of water. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The central concept of the picture puzzled me. management /MAN-ij-muhnt / [noun] – the control and organization of something The company has been harmed by poor management for numerous years. function…
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Dubai opens world’s first, highest 360-degree infinity pool

Dubai opens world's highest 360-degree infinity pool

©AURA Skypool Lounge via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the famous hotels in your country? Do you like staying at hotels? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. base /beys/ [verb] – to have a particular town or area, etc. as the main place that you live and work in, or where you do business from The new clothing company is based in Manila. story /STAWR-ee/ [noun] – a level of a building I’m so excited to visit Blair’s new 12-story mansion! residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – a residential…
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New coronavirus variant Omicron under observation by scientists

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© Thomas Faull/Alamy Live News/Alamy Live News via The Guardian Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the deadliest disease for you and why? When do you think the pandemic will end? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a form of a virus or disease that is slightly different from other forms, for example because the virus causing the disease has mutated A new variant of the disease was discovered in the US. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body Take…
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Jack Dorsey steps down as Twitter’s CEO

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©BBC via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you use social media apps? In your country, are technology jobs in high demand? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. resign /ri-ZAHYN/ [verb] – to give up a job or position by telling your employer that you are leaving Mr. Chase has resigned from the company after 30 years. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [noun] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to He emphasized that all employees must follow office rules. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm/ [noun] – the act of saying that something or…
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3 splendid places to witness Tokyo’s fall colors

3 splendid places to witness Tokyo's fall colors

©Marufish/Flickr Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite season and why? What is the worst season for you and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. atmosphere /AT-muhs-feer/ [noun] – the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere. adore /uh-DAWR/ [verb] – to love and respect someone very much, or to like something very much I adore your shoes! Where did you buy that pair? magnificent /mag-NIF-uh-suhnt/ [adjective] – very good, beautiful, or deserving to be admired The Taj Mahal is a magnificent tourist spot. feast…
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Instagram is being used by mothers to provide advice to new parents

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What social networking sites do you use? Why? Which do you think is the best social networking site today? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consultant /kuhn-SUHL-tnt/ [noun] – someone who advises people on a particular subject She works in a firm of public relations consultants. solid /SOL-id/ [adjective] – hard or firm, keeping a clear shape Dry the clay until it’s solid. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [veb] – to start something that will last for a long time, or to create or set something in a particular way We can start…
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Harry Potter film at 20: Where are the cast members now?

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©BBC via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular fantasy films in your country? Who are some of your favorite actors/actresses? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mark /mahrk/ [verb] – to show respect for or commemorate The wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter in Anna’s life. trade /treyd/ [verb] – to exchange something, or to stop using or doing something and start using or doing something else instead I’ll trade you some of my candies for some of your cookies. magical /MAJ-i-kuhl / [adjective] – produced by or using…
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Restoring our ego through status pivoting

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© Getty Images via BBC Worklife Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who is the most successful person you know? Please tell me more about him/her. How do you measure success? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to I must emphasize that this is just the summary of the report. coping /KOH-ping/ [noun] – the fact of dealing successfully with problems or difficult situations Exercising is Laura’s coping mechanism. reflect /ri-FLEKT/ [verb] – (of an action or situation) to bring credit or…
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“Spider-Man: No Way Home:” Everything we need to know

Spider-Man No Way Home: Everything we need to know

©Marvel Studios, Sony, Columbia Pictures Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like watching superhero movies? Why or why not? When was the last time you watched in a movie theater? Please share your experience. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rumored /ROO-merd/ [adjective] – used to refer to a fact or piece of news that might be true or invented, and quickly spreads from person to person The band is rumored to have a comeback next month. hit /hit/ [verb] – to arrive at a place, position, or state The show’s new season will hit…
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